The NY LGBT Network is proud to announce the Adam S. Kaplan Memorial LGBTQ Scholarship for enrollment in college or university in Fall 2026. The Scholarship recognizes outstanding LGBTQ-identified youth advocates and leaders with scholarships of up to $1,000 each. Scholarship funds can be applied to tuition, books, fees, and/or room & board. The Scholarship is open to all majors.
Criteria
Scholarship applicants must be graduating from high school and enrolling in college for the upcoming Fall 2026 semester. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to impacting positive change for LGBTQ people, including other LGBTQ youth, through school and/or community leadership and involvement.
About Adam S. Kaplan
Adam S. Kaplan was the first youth member of the organization’s Board of Directors in 1993-1994. Adam went on to educate thousands of young people through speaking at more than 200 schools and appearing on numerous television shows to advocate for the rights and safety of LGBTQ youth. He also oversaw the opening of the NY LGBT Network’s first community center in 1995. The Scholarship provides a legacy to Adam’s bright spirit and curious mind by giving other promising, young LGBTQ leaders on Long Island an opportunity to receive a quality college education.
Application Process
To apply for a scholarship, applicants should prepare and submit the following application package online at [insert link here] or by scanning the QR code below:
- Scholarship Applicant Information Form (available online)
- Personal Statement (see below for instructions)
- Essay (please see below for instructions)
- Two letters of reference
Applications must be received by Friday, March 27, 2026 before 5:00 pm.
Applicants are selected for an interview after careful review of the complete application, academic performance, interests, honors, and service to the LGBTQ community.
TIMELINE
Applications Due | Friday, March 27 |
Applications Reviewed; Finalists Invited to Interview | As they are received |
Interviews conducted (at NY LGBT Network Hauppauge Center) | As they are received |
Scholarship recipients notified | By mid-April |
Application Instructions
APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED USING THE ONLINE APPLICATION FORM and must include the following 4 components:
1. Scholarship Applicant Information Form (on the website)
Please complete the Applicant Information Form on the website. This form collects contact information as well as educational information, such as the name of your high school, graduation date, GPA, honors, and extracurricular activities.
2. Personal Statement (upload as a Word doc or PDF)
In one page or less, please concisely discuss your academic interests, personal interests, and current and past involvement in the LGBTQ community.
3. Essay (upload as a Word doc or PDF)
In three pages or less, please include the following points in your personal essay:
- Your personal experience as an LGBTQ youth
- Describe how you helped create safer spaces for LGBTQ people, including youth
- Describe how you intend to use your time in college and your education to further pursue your goals of creating safer spaces for LGBTQ people through activism, education, and community involvement.
4. Letters of Recommendation (upload as PDF docs)
Letters can be from teachers, club advisors, coaches, employment supervisors, or other figures of leadership. Letters from family members and friends are not eligible.
Applications must be received by Friday, March 27, 2026 before 5:00 pm.
Questions? If you have any questions regarding the scholarship and/or the application and selection process, please contact Chandra Grant, Operations Manager, at 631-665-2300 or via e-mail at cgrant@lgbtnetwork.org.