GSAFE 2026 Youth Scholarship Application

The GSAFE Youth Scholarship awards up to four high school seniors $2500 each. The recipients of these awards will have demonstrated a commitment to promoting just and respectful schools for all, with an emphasis on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) students and topics. This scholarship is open to all Wisconsin high school seniors, regardless of sexual orientation and/or gender identity/expression.  We especially encourage youth of color and trans and nonbinary youth to apply.

Examples of student activities that might bring an applicant to the attention of GSAFE include, but are not limited to, an LGBTQ+ student or ally who has:
•    Demonstrated leadership in the school community.
•    Worked to improve their community.
•    Promoted racial, transgender, gender, and/or educational justice.
•    Faced and sought to overcome obstacles related to LGBTQ+ topics.
•    Helped form, continue, or build a GSA or an educational justice or similar club.
•    Consistently included LGBTQ+ materials in their coursework.
•    Actively participated in community efforts involving LGBTQ+ topics.

Requirements for the Youth Scholarship
•    Graduating High School Senior
•    Resident of Wisconsin
•    Completion of enclosed application
•    1-2 letters of recommendation. One recommendation must be written by a member of your school staff.
•    If awarded scholarship: Attending our Celebration of Leadership awards event in Madison the evening of May 30th, 2026. Please place a hold on your calendar for this event. Our current plans are to present the awards in person. We are working with health official as well as banquet venue to plan a safe and accessible event and will be in communication with all scholarship recipients as we get closer to the date. GSAFE will support travel and lodging for students and guests on a case-by-case basis.

Application Deadline: All applications must be received or postmarked by April 17th, 2026.

Submission of the Scholarship Application: Application can be submitted through any of the following options:
•    Online in writing through the electronic form for recommendations at https://bit.ly/GSAFE2026