May 17, 2027

Sophie's Live Out Loud Award

Direct application

$5,000
1 winner

Eligibility

Demographics
LGBTQIA+
Education level
Undergraduate
Year of study
First year
Activities
Leadership
Age
Age up to 24

About this scholarship

LGBTQ+ student leaders age 24 or younger who graduated high school or earned a GED in the D.C. Metro area and are starting their first semester of post-secondary education may apply.

SMYAL awards one $5,000 scholarship through Sophie's Live Out Loud Award, named for advocate Sophie Magerl. Winners are featured publicly by the organization.

Write a personal essay up to 1,500 words on your journey as an LGBTQ+ leader, obtain two letters of support, and submit a list of programs you have applied to along with any acceptance letters received.

Essay question

What else to submit

  • Personal essay up to 1,500 words
  • Two letters of support
  • List of programs or schools where the applicant has submitted active applications
  • Acceptance letters received, if any
  • Two letters of support from individuals who can speak to your suitability for the award (e.g., mentors, teachers, or community leaders)
  • A list of programs/schools where you have submitted active applications, including any acceptance letters received
  • Eligibility: LGBTQ+ student, age 24 or younger, incoming undergraduate who graduated high school or received GED in Washington D.C. or surrounding areas of Maryland and Virginia, demonstrating leaders
  • Winners are featured publicly by SMYAL.