Laurie McBride Memorial Scholarship*

The scholarship is named for long-time LGBTQ lobbyist and activist Laurie McBride. Laurie McBride was a leading advocate in California, pushing for statutory protections long before many activists considered doing so. She is a former legislative lobbyist who worked for decades in local, statewide, and national movements for civil rights and political access for LGBTQ individuals. From 1990 to 1998, she was executive director of the Lobby for Individual Freedom and Equality, a state-wide coalition to advance gay rights across California. During this time, she successfully led legislative efforts for employment protections, domestic partnerships, and HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention. She went on to work as a policy advisor and chief of staff in the legislature and as Assistant Secretary of State. She also served as co-chair of National Stonewall Democrats for 10 years. The Stonewall Foundation created the scholarship to cultivate advocates who, like McBride, understand that fighting for equality requires consensus building, commitment, and resolve.

Students must meet the following requirements to be able to apply for this scholarship:

• Minimum GPA: 3.0
• Class Level: Junior, Senior, Classified Graduate
• Full-time at the time of award
• Supplemental Material 1: Student applicants must submit a 500-1000 word essay describing “how they are advocates for LGBTQ rights in the community and how they plan to continue to serve and advance LGBTQ equity, including possible involvement with on-campus entities (e.g., The Pride Center; ASI; and Office of Inclusive Excellence) and/or off-campus entities (e.g., Gender Health Center, Sacramento LGBT Community Center, etc.).”
• Supplemental Material 2: Attach a letter of support from a campus or community agency engaged in LGBTQ advocacy
  *Student should expect to participate in an interview with the Stonewall Foundation if they are being considered as a recipient for this scholarship.