Los Angeles
Scholarships to Educate Future LGBT Leaders
— Vincent Garcia: The Point Foundation June 20, 2011 / 7:30 p.m.
Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays
It’s no news that college costs are staggering. Even two-parent, middle class families are struggling to put their children through school. LGBT youth frequently have special difficulties. Those who are out may find that college tuition is used as a bargaining chip to coerce an impossible change to heterosexuality. Others may conceal their sexual orientation or gender identity far longer than they wish in order to safeguard the precious resource. And LGBT kids disowned by their families have the hardest road of all.
That’s where the Point Foundation comes in. Vincent Garcia, scholar and alumni program director, will describe the help available through this remarkable organization that provides scholarships, mentorship, leadership training and hope for students of merit who have been marginalized due to sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.
Applicants to Point Foundation and subsequent scholars turn to Point Foundation because their families are either unable or unwilling to support them and their goals for higher education. Each student has a compelling and inspiring story of overcoming incredible obstacles and hardships. Many have been cruelly rejected by their families, forced to leave home, and cut off from all financial support. Yet Point Scholars are excelling at our nation's most prestigious and demanding universities and colleges, while also leading in a variety of extracurricular and community service activities.
In addition to financial support, Point Foundation matches each scholar with a mentor who is a successful professional in fields such as the arts, science, education, business, law, medicine and other humanities. Point Foundation Mentors build rewarding, personal relationships and serve as exemplary role models for the organization’s scholars. They also assist Point Scholars with professional career decisions, including the pursuit of graduate studies, internship placement and job opportunities after graduation. Additionally, each Point Mentor oversees the design and completion of an annual community service leadership project that is required of each scholar. Throughout the year, Point Mentors and Scholars work collaboratively to set goals and objectives that build leadership skills through service.
For our speaker, Vincent Garcia, the struggles and opportunities involved in a college education are immediate and vivid both from his own experience and the lives of the young LGBT persons he serves. Vincent has over 18 years experience in student recruitment and college advising. Prior to joining Point, Vincent was Associate Director of Admission at California Lutheran University, where he led the Multi-Cultural Recruitment Team and developed freshman recruitment travel strategies. In his first year, Vincent saw Cal Lutheran's multi-cultural applications increase by an average of 30%. He was involved with both campus events planning and communication teams, while hosting events for organizations including Young Black Scholars, College Summit, and Upward Bound. Vincent demonstrates a strong commitment to both access and equity in higher education, while committing himself to numerous charitable organizations including the National AIDS Training program, The California AIDS Ride, and to the EIF Revlon Run/Walk for Women to fight women’s cancers in Los Angeles.
Come hear Vincent explain how your child can find a good college match and benefit from the Point Foundations programs and other LGBT scholarships.
Visit their website: Point Foundation
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