Gamma Mu Foundation Scholarship Program

Introduction

The Gamma Mu Social organization was founded over 40 years ago as a gay International Association of Professional and Business Executives, "Good men making a difference." With that commitment, in 1988 Members established a Foundation to support the unmet needs of the gay community, primarily in rural America, on a nationwide and continuing basis. Under the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Code, the Gamma Mu Foundation qualifies as a 501(c)(3) non-profit, tax-exempt organization. While initial funding was provided by the founding Board of Directors, the intent has always been that ongoing support be provided by Gamma Mu Social Club members, their friends, and those interested in the work of the Foundation.

The Gamma Mu Foundation Scholarship program focuses on the critical needs of gay men living in, or having come from rural areas, who wish to pursue higher educational opportunities and professional career growth. The program provides funding for individuals who wish to enter and/or complete a course of study at the university level, or those who seek training and education in a vocational course of study. The program seeks to increase the number of gay men who are actively contributing to the betterment of their communities.

Program Synopsis

The Gamma Mu Scholarship Program supports gay men who want to continue their education beyond high school at a college, university, or vocational or professional training program. The program supports a wide range of educational options, including vocational and technical training, associate, bachelors and graduate degrees. Scholarships are offered for full-time study beginning at an accredited institution or program of the student’s choice. Interested students must complete and submit the application by March 31, 2009. We strongly urge students to also review the tab on this web site labeled "Scholarship FAQ's." Additionally, students may wish to review the grants area of the web site to gain a broader understanding of the Foundation and the specific causes and organizations we support.

Eligibility

Scholarships are awarded based upon financial need and the desire to pursue additional training through academic or vocational endeavors. The applicant must be a gay man under 35 years of age, have completed high school (or GED) by May 2009, and be a U.S. citizen. Preference is given to 1) students who are from, or plan to attend school in a rural area; 2) students from all areas who have overcome issues of discrimination and/or marginalization within their community; 3) students from all areas who demonstrate leadership qualities and future goals to benefit the gay community; 4) students from all areas who demonstrate leadership within their community, specifically promoting diversity and tolerance for all citizens, and 5) students from all areas who demonstrate a strong academic performance. All of these key factors are taken into consideration in evaluating scholarship applications. To qualify for a Scholarship Award, students must:

• Submit a completed application post-marked no later than March 31, 2009
• Be admitted to a post-secondary institution or a vocational program for Fall 2009
• Be a legal resident of the United States
• Be a gay male under 35 years of age at time of application

Past awards have gone to a broad range of recipients including graduating high school seniors entering college for the first time, continuing university students, community college students, trade school students, and those reentering the work force or advancing their professional goals through continued professional training.

Payment of Scholarship Awards

If selected as a recipient, a student will receive an award of between $1,000 and $2,500 to use during the following year of under- or post-graduate study or in the vocational program in which they are enrolled. Payment is made in one installment on July 15th for Colleges and Universities, and subject to the program requirements for vocational and other professional training programs. Checks are made payable to the particular institution for benefit of the recipient.

Awards are for one year only. Students must submit applications each year for consideration for funding the following academic year.

Use of Scholarship

Scholarships may be used to defray tuition, books and fees or other college-related costs at an accredited college, university, trade or professional school. All funds will be issued to the institution. The scholarship must be used during the Fall and/or Spring term immediately after receipt by the applicant. No continued scholarship support for the student is implied or stated beyond the granting of a single award.

Application

Applications must be post-marked by March 31, 2009. Applications must be mailed to the address listed on the application. Applications are not accepted via fax or online. Application forms can be downloaded from this web site by going to the tab on this web site marked "Downloads". Applicants may complete page one of the application in printed, legible hand-writing. Responses to essay questions on page two must be typed. Please remember to write your name and city at the top left hand side of each page. Completed applications and essay answers are to be mailed to:

Scholarship Program
Gamma Mu Foundation
1975 East Sunrise Blvd., Suite 624
Ft Lauderdale, FL 33304

Applicants will receive acknowledgement of application receipt via email.

Applications are evaluated on the information supplied; therefore, please answer all questions as completely as possible. Incomplete applications will not be evaluated. All information received is considered confidential and becomes the property of the Gamma Mu Foundation.

Applications will be evaluated using the following criteria:

• Financial Need
• Demonstrated community involvement
• Extracurricular involvement
• Experience overcoming discrimination and/or marginalization
• Work/academic achievement
• Educational and career goals
• Involvement in the gay community
• Leadership in promoting diversity and tolerance
   

Selection of Recipients

Selection of recipients is made by the Gamma Mu Foundation. All applicants agree to accept the decision of the Gamma Mu Foundation as final.

Applicants will be notified by May 31, 2009 of the Foundation’s decision. Not all applicants to the program will be selected as recipients.

Obligations and Revisions

Recipients have no obligation to the Gamma Mu Foundation. They are, however, required to supply the Gamma Mu Foundation with complete transcripts when requested and to notify the Foundation of any changes of address, school enrollment, or other relevant information. The Gamma Mu Foundation reserves the right to review the conditions and procedures of this scholarship program and to make changes at any time including termination of the program.

If awarded a scholarship, we request that the student supply us with a photo to publish in our Foundation Annual Report and agree to have their name listed in Foundation news publications.

For additional information please contact the Foundation by email at: scholarships@gammamufoundation.org.