SCHOLARSHIPS

Maritza Zea, mother of Point Scholar Diego Arango:

“Point has already made a big difference in Diego’s life. Columbia University is tremendously expensive, and Point made it affordable for Diego to attend. He has gained so much from his experience as a first year scholar. The summer leadership conference in Chicago gave him a means to meet other bright, motivated LGBT youth and adults, and interact with other accomplished LGBT leaders. Currently, his mentor in New York has supported both his academic and community outreach efforts, and a made it possible for him to begin exploring future interests..

For other parents considering what Point might mean in their children’s lives I want to communicate that it has made a BIG difference, and that our family is appreciative for all that Point has given Diego. We haven’t encountered other organizations that have invested as much in his personal well-being and academic and professional goals. Point helps Diego build bridges to both his future and current possibilities.”

“La fundación Point ya ah logrado hacer una gran diferencia en la vida de Diego. La universidad de Columbia es extremadamente costosa, y Point la ah hecho económica para que Diego pueda acudir. El ah aprendido bastante de su experiencia en tan solo su primer año. La conferencia de liderazgo del verano en Chicago le ha proveído los métodos para conocer otros talentosos y motivados jóvenes y adultos Gays, Lesbianas, Bisexuales y Transgeneros (LGBT) e interactuar con otros lideres LGBT realizados. Por el momento, su mentor y guía en Nueva York lo has apoyado en sus esfuerzos académicos y de prestar ayuda a la comunidad, al igual que hacer posible que Diego comience a explorar sus futuros intereses..

Para otros padres considerando lo que Point pudiera significar en la vida de sus hijos, les quiero comunicar que a hecho una GRAN diferencia, y que nuestra familia esta muy agradecida por todo lo que Point le ah dado a Diego. No nos habíamos topado con otras organizaciones que inviertan tanto en su bienestar y metas académicas y profesionales. Point ah ayudado a Diego a construir un puente entre su futuro y sus posibilidades presentes.”

Dear Parents and Guardians of Point Finalists,

We thank you for the support and dedication you have provided for your student’s educational future – we are excited to have them attend Selections in San Francisco this year as a Point Finalist. The objective of this weekend is to select the recipients of our Point scholarship awards. Your student will also be participating with our staff, directors and regents in a San Francisco event for local supporters that follows with a Finalist dinner. Interviews will be conducted on Saturday during which they will have an opportunity to interact with other finalists, current scholars, alumni and our regents. Again, we thank you for allowing them to participate and we are looking forward to meeting these talented and accomplished students.

Schedule of Events:

Friday
     · Arrive in San Francisco
     · Attend Point Foundation’s Fundraising Event
     · Dinner at Hotel with Point Staff and Regents

Saturday
     · Interviews with Point Regents
     · Interviews with Mentoring & Alumni Program Director, Darrin Wilstead
     · Departure from San Francisco

If you have any questions about Point, please feel free to contact me at 866.33.Point.

Sincerely,

Vince Garcia
Scholar Relations & Selections Program Director

Point’s mission and what it accomplishes:

Point Foundation, established in 2001, was initially funded by a grant from the Bruce C. Lindstrom & Carl T. Strickland. Point has funded 141 Point Scholars since its inception. Today, the foundation has grown to 12 employees; additionally there is significant contribution by non-paid volunteers including 10 Directors, 31 National Regents, 13 Regional Trustees, 90 mentors and an incredible number of volunteers for our various organizational committees and fundraising events - a total in excess of 150 non-paid volunteers devoting their time and energy to Point. Point Foundation what it is today—the premier national LGBT non-profit organization designed to nurture the LGBT leaders of the next generation-- because of the generous support of others.
Point Foundation provides financial support, mentoring, leadership training and hope to meritorious students who are marginalized due to sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.

By identifying and supporting these scholars, Point hopes to provide a greater level of acceptance, respect and tolerance within future generations for all persons, regardless of sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity. We honor our scholars; their leadership, their acumen, their early involvement in LGBT causes, and their pledge to make the world a fairer and better place for all. The Point Foundation family proudly prepares for our future. We have all of the essential ingredients in place and hope that you will continue your support, or join us anew, as we nourish keen and caring minds and propel them into leadership positions in countless fields of scholarship, service and entrepreneurial endeavors.

Point’s Scholarship Award provides:

· Point’s program is more than just a scholarship. Point’s program offers Point Scholars with encouragement to foster academic excellence; mentoring services for academic, professional, and personal development.
· Point Foundation provides programs that affect social change by challenging attitudes that contribute to social stigma and its resulting prejudice, which is often experienced by those in the LGBT community.
· Point Foundation’s academic/program year begins in July with a Leadership Training where past and recently awarded scholars receive intensive training in leadership development, accountability, community service guidance, and advocacy and philanthropy to the LGBT community. Most importantly, Point Foundation instills a clear understanding of how these attributes all relate to the community’s history and development.
· Point Foundation matches each scholar with a mentor who is a successful professional in fields such as the arts, science, education, business, law, medicine and other humanities.
· Each Point Mentor oversees the design and completion of an annual community service leadership project that is required of each scholar. Throughout the year, Point Mentors and Scholars work collaboratively to set goals and objectives that build leadership skills through service.