Applications are now open for the 2026 APIQWTC Scholarship!
We invite students who meet the eligibility criteria to apply đź“š
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APIQWTC SCHOLARSHIP
Last updated: December 16, 2025
DEADLINE: February 1, 2026, 11:59pm (PST)
AWARD OVERVIEW
APIQWTC (Asian and Pacific Islander Queer Women and Transgender Community) is a fun, welcoming, multi-generational group of Asian & Pacific Islander queer women and transgender people in the Bay Area who are building community together. We are the legacy of API queer activism, stemming from earlier-founded organizations going back to 1987. APIQWTC is a wholly volunteer-based organization that provides opportunities for API queer women and transgender people to socialize, network, build community, engage in inter-generational organizing, and increase community visibility.
The APIQWTC Scholarship was founded to uplift current and future API queer and trans community leaders. We will be awarding two (2) scholarships of $3,500 each to Asian/Pacific Islander lesbian, bisexual, or queer women or transgender and non-binary individuals enrolled in—or preparing to enter—tuition-based, certificate or degree-granting programs in the United States.
AWARD CRITERIA
Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
- Be a high school senior, current student, or prospective student planning to enter or currently enrolled in a U.S.-based, non-profit institution offering an associate’s, bachelor’s, or graduate program, or other certificate-granting program, in Summer or Fall 2026.
- If awarded the APIQWTC Scholarship, applicants must provide proof of acceptance to a program or evidence of current enrollment.
- Have not received the APIQWTC Scholarship within the past five (5) years
- Demonstrate professional commitment and/or community involvement
APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS
Submit an electronic copy of the following to :
- A one-page cover letter (300 words or less) describing why you are interested in this scholarship
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae
- Portfolio of your work if relevant to your training or educational pursuits
- In two double-spaced pages or less, respond to the following questions:
- How has your cultural heritage, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity influenced your life and decision to pursue your certification, training, or degree?
- APIQWTC values API queer community and visibility. What are your current activities that align with these values?
- What are your future goals and planned community involvement, either through your career or otherwise?
- Describe any ties you may have to the San Francisco Bay Area. (Please note a connection to the SF Bay Area is not required.)
- One to two letters of recommendation:
- Letter(s) of recommendations should come from an instructor, employer, academic counselor, coach, community leader, or any other individual not related to you who is familiar with your personal or leadership qualities.
- Letter(s) of recommendation MUST be emailed directly from the author’s email address.
Send an official transcript either as:
- A secure, digitally signed electronic transcript file from your current or last school. The official transcript MUST be sent directly by the school or school’s transcript service. Official transcripts sent directly by the applicant will not be accepted. (It is highly recommended the applicant confirm their official transcript has been received due to past technical issues with transcript services such as Parchment and National Student Clearinghouse.)
- If your school cannot send an official electronic transcript, have your institution mail your official, sealed transcript to the address below (transcripts must be postmarked on or before February 1, 2026).
APIQWTC Scholarship Committee
6539 Shattuck Avenue
Oakland, CA 94609
Deadline:
- Email cover letter, resume, and two-page response no later than February 1, 2026, 11:59 PM (PST) to: .
- Letters of recommendation must be emailed by the letter’s author no later than February 1, 2026, 11:59 PM (PST), to: .
- Due to the high number of applications we receive, incomplete and/or late applications will be automatically disqualified and not reviewed. The selection committee reserves the right not to award any scholarships if an appropriate applicant cannot be identified.
Questions?
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) are available here.
- If you have additional questions, please contact us at .
Please DONATE to the Scholarship Fund today.