The OPALGA+ Scholarship Fund

The OPALGA+ Scholarship Fund provides financial support for continuing education of local, Cook County Illinois, LGBTQIA+ students and allies who have demonstrated service and advocacy to the LGBTQIA+ community and/or the larger community. Scholarships are $5,000 each paid directly to the college or program you plan to attend.

OPALGA+ recognizes that young people in the LGBTQIA+ community face unique challenges in high school, college, and trade school programs. We are committed to providing support for the next generation of activists and leaders who are self-identified members and/or allies of the LGBTQIA+ community from Oak Park and surrounding areas. Since 2014, we have awarded $348,000 in scholarships.

APPLICATIONS FOR 2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR SCHOLARSHIPS ARE DUE B̶Y̶ ̶M̶A̶R̶C̶H̶ ̶3̶1̶,̶ ̶2̶0̶2̶6̶. DEADLINE EXTENDED: Applications are now due by April 30, 2026!.

If you have any questions, please send an email to scholarship@opalga.org.

TO QUALIFY, HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS MUST MEET THESE CRITERIA:

1. Identify as an LGBTQIA+ person, the child of an LGBTQIA+ person, and/or be an LGBTQIA+ ally.
2. Be a graduating high school senior in Cook County, Illinois who resides in Chicago or the western suburbs of Cook County.
3. Have applied or been accepted to a 4-year or 2-year degree program or trade school/certificate program.
4. Have (or will have) an outstanding balance for that program for the 2026-2027 school year. Scholarships are only paid to the school on behalf of the winner up to the student’s unfunded balance due. Any unused portion may be carried forward to the following school year.

HIGH SCHOOL APPLICANTS ARE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT B̶Y̶ ̶M̶A̶R̶C̶H̶ ̶3̶1̶,̶ ̶2̶0̶2̶6̶ DEADLINE EXTENDED: Applications are now due by April 30, 2026:

1. Scholarship application found here.
2. A detailed list of your service and extracurricular activities. More specific instructions are provided in the application.
3. One essay reflecting your community involvement, leadership, personal growth, and future aspirations. Please note that your essay will be one of the most important criteria used in evaluating your application. A detailed rubric is provided within the application.
4. OPTIONAL: Any special circumstances or significant hardships you have faced or overcome. More specific instructions are provided in the application.
5. Two or more letters of recommendation from those with knowledge of your service, advocacy, and personal character. Additional guidance for recommendation letters is included in the application.

Scholarship recipients will be chosen based on the strength of the essays, recommendations, demonstration of dedication to service, involvement in other activities, and their unique personal circumstances. (Recipients will eventually also need to submit an acceptance letter from a degree or certificate-granting institution before funds are awarded.)

RETURNING SCHOLARS

Prior-year recipients of OPALGA+ scholarships may be eligible to receive the Jan Grillos Memorial Scholarship award for OPALGA+ Returning Scholars while they are still enrolled in their program. For students applying in 2026-2027, the scholarship amounts will also be $5000. The Jan Grillos Memorial Scholarship can be awarded up to three (3) times per individual (for a maximum of four total awards).

TO QUALIFY, RETURNING SCHOLARS MUST MEET THESE CRITERIA:

1. Received an OPALGA+ scholarship in the prior year.
2. Are currently enrolled in and attending a 4-year or 2-year college degree program or trade school certificate program.
3. Have (or will have) an outstanding balance for that program for the 2026-2027 school year. Scholarships are only paid to the school on behalf of the winner up to the student’s unfunded balance due. Any unused portion may be carried forward to the following school year.

RETURNING SCHOLAR APPLICANTS ARE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT BY ̶M̶A̶R̶C̶H̶ ̶3̶1̶,̶ ̶2̶0̶2̶6̶ DEADLINE EXTENDED: Applications are now due by April 30, 2026:

1. Scholarship application found here.
2. A new detailed list of your service and extracurricular activities. More specific instructions are provided in the application.
3. One new essay reflecting your community involvement, leadership, personal growth, and future aspirations. Please note that your essay will be one of the most important criteria used in evaluating your application. A detailed rubric is provided within the application.
4. OPTIONAL: Any special circumstances or significant hardships you have faced or overcome. More specific instructions are provided in the application.
5. Two or more new letters of recommendation from those with knowledge of your service, advocacy, and personal character. Additional guidance for recommendation letters is included in the application.

Scholarship recipients will be chosen based on the strength of the essays, recommendations, demonstration of dedication to service, involvement in other activities, and their unique personal circumstances.