Spirit of Dru Scholarship

The Dru Project, founded in memory of Pulse nightclub victim Christopher Andrew "Drew" Leinonen, awards Spirit of Dru scholarships of $5,000 to LGBTQ+ student leaders who exemplify Drew's spirit of unity, inclusion, and love.

Applicants must be LGBTQ+ students who will attend college, trade school, or graduate school; priority is given to applicants living in states with anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. Funds are paid directly to the recipient's school and applied toward tuition, and students may win the scholarship only once. The organization also offers a $5,000 student loan debt grant for former students.

The application round runs each spring, closing at the end of May (the 2026 period closed May 31, 2026), with winners notified at the end of June. Essays are required, including one based on the organization's GSA guide.