Austin LGBT Chamber Education Fund
Empowering the next generation of Austin's LGBTQ+ workforce
The Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce Education Fund, a 501(c)(3), empowers the next generation of LGBTQ+ and allied leaders by providing scholarships and support for higher education.
With the generosity of our members, partners, and donors, we help students access educational opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach. Together, we’re building a brighter, more inclusive future.
Make a donation = Make a difference
Your gift helps LGBTQ+ and allied students in Greater Austin stay in school, feel seen, and thrive. 🌈 Donations power scholarships, tutoring support, and learning tools that many students can’t access on their own.
Every contribution, at any level, directly supports education—from covering course materials and exam fees to helping students attend workshops and community events. 🎓
Your support tells local LGBTQ+ youth, “You belong here, and your goals matter.”
Join the Education Fund Board
As the Austin LGBT Chamber continues to grow, the work of our 501(c)(3), The Austin LGBT Chamber Education Fund is becoming increasingly important to the long-term strength of Austin and Central Texas’ workforce.
We’re seeking passionate community and business leaders to join the Education Fund Board and help us expand our impact through:
- Scholarships and educational opportunities
- Internship and mentorship programs
- Educational programming for Chamber members and entrepreneurs
- Stronger partnerships with colleges, universities and other regional education partners
- Programs that help build a talented, connected and prepared workforce for Austin’s future
This is an opportunity to put your experience, relationships and passion to work in a meaningful way — helping connect education, business and opportunity across our region.
Interested in helping shape what comes next? Apply to join the Austin LGBT Chamber Education Fund Board by September 15, 2026.
Previous Scholarship Recipients
Scholarship Application
To receive an Austin LGBT Chamber Education Fund Scholarship, you must be a Texas resident.
*Applicants are considered a resident if they: Currently live in Texas and have done so for at least three months prior to the application deadline; or have lived in Texas for at least one year at any time in the five years prior to the application deadline; or have lived in Texas for more than one year at any time and have been continuously enrolled in an accredited academic institution for the five years prior to the application deadline.
Preference is given to students who identify as LGBTQ+, members of LGBTQ+ families, or allies who’ve demonstrated active support of the LGBTQ+ community.
Applicants must be pursuing a certificate program, undergraduate degree (Associate or Bachelors,) or graduate degree. Students should be enrolled in community colleges, four-year public or private colleges or universities, or vocational/technical/trade programs. Current students and those individuals planning to enroll in a program in the next academic year are eligible as are current high school seniors.
High school freshman, sophomores, or juniors are not eligible nor are individuals who are not planning to enroll in higher education in the next academic year.
Required Materials:
- Academic transcript (official or unofficial)
- Resume -please include:
- Work experience
- School activities and honors
- Extracurricular and community activities, including volunteer roles, arts, and/or activism
- Several essay questions (upload docs)
Optional Materials:
- Letter(s) of recommendation
Step One: Apply Online
APPLICATIONS OPEN SOON.
Getting Started:
- Look through the entire application and get familiar with it. You cannot save work so please review the application before beginning submission.
- Some answers will open short essay questions. Use these opportunities to tell us more about that specific aspect of yourself.
- We ask for several written essays. Please write these essays outside of the application, copy and paste them into the essay sections, and make sure to save copies for your records. Some of the essays may be submitted in a video format instead of written.
Step Two: Semi-Finalists Selection
A team of community volunteers from the Chamber’s Education Fund Board of Directors will individually review and rate each application on the basis of the evaluation criteria. Each team will select the individuals they feel best exemplify the selection criteria. These semi-finalists will be notified in mid-November 2026 and will be asked for a Zoom or phone interview.
Step Three: Scholarship Recipients Selected
A panel of volunteers will interview semi-finalists in November 2026. The volunteers will then make their selection as to who will be awarded an Austin LGBT Chamber Education Fund Scholarship.
We ask that all scholarship recipients record a video to thank our members and donors for the scholarship. We introduce our scholars (in-person or via video) to the community at our annual Business of Pride Awards Gala in December 2026.