Scholarships
The Stonewall Foundation of Greater Sacramento offers yearly scholarships for students attending Los Rios Community College, Sac State, and high school students in the San Juan Unified School District.
Laurie McBride 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 scholarship was created by the Stonewall Foundation to cultivate advocates who, like McBride, understand that fighting for equality requires consensus building, commitment and resolve.
Now accepting applications through Monday March 2nd, 2026
Sam Catalano Scholarship
This scholarship is named for long-time LGBTQ activist Sam Catalano, a leading figure in civil rights organizing. He was instrumental in founding local organizations, the Sacramento Stonewall Democratic Club and the Stonewall Foundation of Greater Sacramento. His passion continues to be the education and promotion of LGBTQ Leadership and civic engagement, supporting LGBTQ candidates for public office at every level. Sam worked tirelessly to end discrimination and promote equality for all people. Funded by the Stonewall Foundation, the scholarship aims to support emerging advocates who understand that fighting for equality requires ongoing commitment and resolve.
Award:​
The Sam Catalano Scholarship offers 2 awards up to $2,000 to students attending Los Rios Community College.
Criteria:​
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Los Rios Community College enrollment in 9 or more units​
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Completed 24 or more units​
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Planning to transfer to a four year university.​
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Submit a 400-500 word essay answer to the question: How are you an advocate for LGBTQ rights in the community, and how do you plan to continue to advance LGBTQ equity, including involvement with any on-campus and/or off-campus entities?​
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Applications with an attached letter of support from a campus group, staff, or faculty member or community agency will be viewed favorably.
Applications open January 12, 2026 - March 6, 2026
Charlene Jones Advocacy Award
This award is named for Charlene Jones, who wrote the Stonewall Foundation's charter and bylaws and created all the mechanisms and momentum required to sustain the Foundation for the past eight years. Known for accurately identifying gaps and unmet community needs and springing into action to fill them with meaningful solutions, this award honors Charlene now. It ensures her legacy is passed on to the youngest members of our Sacramento LGBT+ community.
Award:​
The Charlene Jones Advocacy Award gives one $2,000 scholarship
Criteria:​
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A graduating senior at a San Juan Unified School.​
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Self-identified member or ally to the LGBTQ+ community​
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Top candidates will be interviewed via Zoom by the Stonewall Foundation selection committee.
Applications open January 12, 2026 - April 10, 2026
Prism Award
The Prism Award is two $1000 scholarships for San Juan Unified 9th - 11th graders, the Prism Award was made to support and recognize younger students looking towards their future educational expenses. The Prism Award celebrates diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Award:
The Prism Award gives two $1,000 scholarships
Criteria:​​
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Currently enrolled in 9-11th grade at a San Juan Unified School​​
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Self-identified member or ally of the LGBTQ+ community​
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Top candidates will be interviewed via Zoom by the Stonewall Foundation selection committee
Applications open January 12, 2026 - April 10, 2026
Past Scholarship Awardees
Laurie McBride Scholarship Awardees
Vrindavani Avila
Travis Legault
Amaranta Niyulpaki
Clara Silva
Sage Beamon
Tranh Pham
Alexsander Willis
Caitlyn Bussey
Alex Wright
Harvey Marquez
Julia Gordillo
Alyx Hredia
Teryn Heckers
Dolly Hunt
Truong Le
Sam Catalano Scholarship Awardees
Donna Delgadillo
Nora Zade
Lovedeep Bains
Sasha Zabegalin
Isa Higareda
Patrick Gem Gabbett
Loreanna Best
Michael hill
Eva Acuna Olivas
Kaitlyn Schlemmer
Emillio Singleton
Tye hernandez
Charlene Jones Advocacy Award Awardees
Mayela Valdes
Prisim Award Awardees
Hannah Lenac
Delia Ramirez