PFLAG Bellevue/Eastside is accepting college scholarship applications from graduating Eastside high school students including those enrolled in the Running Start program.

Scholarships are available to students who have demonstrated their ability to support PFLAG’s vision of a world where diversity is celebrated and all people are respected, valued, and affirmed inclusive of their sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. Interested Kirkland and other Eastside students, both LGBTQ and ally, can apply at pridefoundation.org until the application period closes on Jan. 13.

This program is administered through the Pride Foundation and students are automatically considered for all other Pride Foundation scholarships for which they may qualify – all based on the single PFLAG Bellevue/Eastside application form.

Vicky Tovar, who has chaired the PFLAG Bellevue/Eastside scholarship committee for the past four years, says, “I am inspired by the wonderful students we meet through the application and interview process. These students are so talented, compassionate and thoughtful.”

This scholarship program was initiated in 1999 by Alex Pava in order to support and validate local LGBTQ students and allies, and to strengthen the chapter’s awareness of their particular needs. One of last year’s scholarship awardees wrote that receiving the scholarship caused him to realize that there is a community that supports him and cares about his future.