2SLGBTQIA+ Inclusion in Higher Education
Resources included here are for educational purposes only and do not indicate affiliation or partnership with the Washington State LGBTQ Commission.
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In college, 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion is essential for student success and mental health.
Entering a higher education institution, whether it is community college, or a college/university, can be a daunting challenge, especially for 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals and their families.
This resource page is dedicated to helping with this major life decision and transition. For prospective students, there are several searchable databases of schools evaluating their acceptance and protections for students. Additionally, there are resources listed below specifically designed for scholarships to support LGBTQ+ students.
We hope these resources help as you take this next step in your education journey!
Digital guides and tools that support 2SLGBTQIA+ higher education students.
- The Campus Pride Index is a database for prospective students and their families to search higher education institutions around the nation to gauge a sense of each institution’s LGBTQ+ friendliness. Here is their page for institutions in Washington state.
LGBTQ College Student Resource Guide
- This guide is designed for LGBTQ+ students enrolling or attending a higher education institution with resources on safety, mental health, financial aid, and ways to get involved.
- This guide from Intelligent helps LGBTQ+ students interested in higher education find schools, understand common experiences, and know their rights.
College Resources for LGBTQ Students
- This is a guide to better understand and prepare for common challenges experienced by LGBTQ+ students in higher education, as well as data around LGBTQ+ college attendance.
LGBTQ Resources and Support for College Students
- Best Accredited College’s guide addresses areas where higher education institutions need improvement, and the role LGBTQ+ experiences play on campus.
LGBTQ+ Issues in Higher Education Guide
- Resource guide to help students and researchers learn about LGBTQ+ issues in higher education from the Rainbow Round Table of the American Library Association.
A brief guide to Common App's name, sex, and gender questions for member institutions
- Information from Campus Pride for higher education institutions on how students interact with the name, sex, and gender questions on the Common App.
Scholarship resources for 2SLGBTQIA+ students.
Pride Foundation Scholarship Opportunities
- The Pride Foundation provides scholarship funds to LGBTQ+ students in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington.
GSBA Scholarship & Education Fund
- GSBA provides scholarships to Washington state residents with preference to LGBTQ+ students, members of LGBTQ+ families, and allies who have actively supported the LGBTQ+ community.
- The Point Foundation scholarships, including their flagship scholarship, community college scholarship, and their access scholarship, aim to help LGBTQ+ and ally students attend colleges and universities.
HRC LGBTQ+ Student Scholarship Database
- Comprehensive scholarship database for LGBTQ+ and ally students from HRC.
Financial Resources for LGBTQ Students
- These financial resources for LGBTQ+ students provide a summary and access to various national, regional, and study-specific scholarships, as well as internship and job opportunities for LGBTQ+ students.
Scholarships and Resources for LGBTQIA+ Students
- LGBTQ+ students can find scholarship opportunities with a detailed description of their eligibility requirements, steps to apply, and deadlines.
Law School Scholarships for LGBTQ+ and Ally Law Students
- Scholarship database from the LGBTQ+ Bar Association for prospective LGBTQ+ law students.
Studies, Reports, and Data around 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion in higher education.
Experiences of LGBTQ People in Four-Year Colleges and Graduate Programs
- Study from the Williams Institute on LGBTQ experiences in higher education.
- Study from Campus Pride on the gender identities of college students.
Research Brief: Suicide Risk and Access to Care Among LGBTQ College Students
- Research from the Trevor Project around mental health and LGBTQ college students.
Queering learning and leadership in higher education
- Study from the American Psychological Association that examines LGBTQ+ issues at higher education institutions.
Educational Experiences of LGBTQ People of Color
- Publication from the Williams Institute looking at how LGBTQ people of color experience higher education.
Articles, FAQ sheets and more around 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion in higher education.
LGBTQ+ Students In Higher Education: Challenges And Support
- Article and resources from the Point Foundation around challenges in higher education and ways to find support.
Why Queer Faculty Diversity Matters in Higher Education
- Article from Ed Trust on the importance of LGBTQ+ faculty and staff in higher education.
How to Find an LGBTQ-Friendly College
- Article from U.S. News on tips to finding an accepting college or university.
Podcasts featuring 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion in higher education or created by 2SLBTQIA+ students.
We don't have any resources for this section yet. Have a suggestion? Use our resource suggestion form here!
Videos, movies, and documentaries around inclusion for 2SLGBTQIA+ people in higher education.
Please note that some might not be free resources and might require a subscription service to view.
Out In Higher Education: What LGBTQ Students Need to Thrive
- Video from the Point Foundation hearing from LGBTQ scholars on what they need to succeed in higher education.
"Supporting LGBTQ+ Faculty & Students on College Campuses" | Megan Carpenter | TEDxStLawrenceU
- TED talk on LGBTQ+ staff and students in higher education and the importance of acceptance.
'Ask Me': What LGBTQ Students Want Their Professors to Know
- YouTube video from the Chronicle of Higher Education
National organizations focused on 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion in higher education.
- Nonprofit organization for student and campus leaders to create LGBTQ inclusive learning environments in higher education. Campus Pride runs the Campus Pride Index and the Q Research Institute.
Consortium of Higher Education LGBT Resource Professionals
- Organization whose mission is working towards the liberation of LGBTQ people in higher education.
LGBTQ Leaders in Higher Education
- This organization works to advance LGBTQ leadership in higher education and support LGBTQ leaders.
American College Health Association LGBTQ+ Health Coalition
- Network for ACHA members with an interest in LGBTQ+ health.
- Organization that provides scholarships to 2SLGBTQIA+ students going into higher education.
Organizations and student groups across Washington state focused on 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion in higher education.
Check back soon for an updated list of 2SLGBTQIA+ clubs and student groups on college campuses across Washington.
Resources across Washington state agencies that could be helpful for 2SLGBTQIA+ students.
- Complete the FAFSA or WAFSA to apply for federal or state financial aid.
- Learn about the Washington College Grant and apply.
Washington Student Achievement Council
- Learn about WSAC and how they work to advance education opportunities in Washington state.
Under RCW 43.114.050, the duties of the LGBTQ Commission include providing a clearinghouse for information regarding both state and federal legislation as it relates to our purpose and providing resource and referral information to agencies and the public. While the LGBTQ Commission does not provide direct services, we work to connect constituents with affirming supports across the state through our collaboration with state agencies and community organizations. If you can't find what you are looking for here, reach out to contact@lgbtq.wa.gov or use our contact form and a Commission staff member will get back to you.