Since 2014, OPALGA+ has annually raised funds and distributed scholarships to local LGBTQIA+ youth and allies for post-secondary education. In 2024, OPALGA+ awarded its largest amount yet: ten $5,000 scholarships for a total award of $50,000. No one can attest more powerfully to the impact of these funds than the students themselves:
“I want to go into psychology. The mental health resources in my community–African American and also LGBTQ–are really low. It’s a market that’s not being helped, and that’s what I want to do. I want to help those people.”
—Kennedy Smith, 2024 OPALGA+ scholar, Lindblom Math & Science Academy now attending University of Wisconsin-Madison
“Receiving the OPALGA+ scholarship definitely reflects my activism for the LGBTQ+ community and continues to make sure they’re being represented, and that their voices aren’t being taken away because their voices matter just as much as everyone else’s do.”
—Sean Groh, 2024 OPALGA+ scholar from Lane Tech attending Drake University
“I attended high school in a Latinx community with few LGBTQ resources. I was the type of student who sat in the back of the room and never said much. Now in college, I’m much more outgoing and am the future president of the Prism Club, the LGBTQ club on campus.”
—Emily Gonzalez, two-time OPALGA+ scholar, attending Dominican University Class of 2027
We are accepting applications for 2025-’26 scholarships through March 15, 2025. Your generosity makes these efforts possible. Please help us support the next generation of LGBTQIA+ leaders. opalga.org/donate
Oak Park Area Lesbian & Gay Association Plus (OPALGA+)
The OPALGA+ Scholarship Fund provides financial support for the post-high school education of local students who have demonstrated service and advocacy to the LGBTQIA+ community. Young LGBTQIA+ people face unique challenges in high school and college; students with LGBTQIA+ parents have distinct experiences shaped by their families. The scholarship program depends on the year-round generosity of OPALGA+ members and community support. Since 2014, OPALGA+ has awarded over $220,000 in scholarships and plans to award up to $60,000 in 2025.
To learn more or to donate to the scholarship fund, visit opalga.org/donate.