Amigas will be awarding 2-3 scholarships to Latina queer student activists. Deadline is May 19!!

Creating Safe Schools in Illinois (CSSI), formerly the Chicago chapter of the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), in partnership with other community organizations and individuals, is pleased to recognize student activists who have made significant contributions toward advancing LGBTQ visibility and equality in our local K-12 schools. All high school seniors are encouraged to apply. Scholarships and awards range from $500 to $1,000.

ELIGIBILITY

CSSI scholarships are open to high school seniors who have actively done something to advance LGBTQ visibility and equality in Chicago area K-12 schools. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, pansexual, transgender, straight and questioning students are all invited to apply. Orientation is not the issue; activism is.

Complete the information below and return no later than May 19, 2006. Awardees will be notified by early June, 2006. Send completed application via fax: 773-472-0052, Attention: Acire Roche CSSI. No snail mail please. For more information, contact Acire at Acirer@safeschoolsillinois.org or 773-472-6469 x 235.

INSTRUCTIONS

Each scholarship carries its own criteria, but you need to fill in this form only once. Please provide complete information for each question. Please check the boxes by each scholarship for which you or the person you are nominating wish to be considered. You may check more than one box.

 The Al Wardell Scholarship
This scholarship is given in honor of our former colleague, Al Wardell, a distinguished educator and tireless Chicago-area activist for lesbian/gay rights, whose life embodies CSSI’s commitment to safe schools for all. This scholarship is specifically for a student who is planning to pursue a career in teaching, social work, psychology, physical therapy/occupational therapy/speech therapy, sign language interpreting, or any of the other “helping professions.”

 The Erika & Mala Scholarship
Given in honor of two young women who went to prom together (Maine East H.S., 1994). CSSI believes we must never forget that political activism is essential – but so is having the courage to simply live one’s life happily and proudly, despite the threat of anti-gay peer pressure.

 The Bayard Rustin Legacy Scholarship
CSSI honors the leadership of Bayard Rustin, a heroic civil rights leader and gay man, who is the inspiration for this scholarship, which recognizes the efforts of an African American high school student making change in their school community.

 Aixa Diaz Latina Youth Scholarships
Awards will be presented by Amigas Latinas to two Latina youth who carry on the legacy of Aixa Diaz, an Amigas Latinas member who expressed her commitment to her Latina community through her organizing efforts and her dedication as a teacher.


 Lifeboat Youth Scholarship
The Lifeboat Foundation seeks to recognize a youth who has worked against the odds to create a safer school environment.

 Barbara Gittings Legacy Award
This award, given in honor of one of the most amazing pioneers of gay civil rights, goes to an individual or GSA that has demonstrated commitment to working within the system to advance LGBT equality and visibility. [Note: this form is for individual applicants; GSAs should fill out the Gay-Straight Alliance Awards Application form.]

 Bonnie Larson PFLAG Gay-Straight Alliance Award
Started in 2003, this scholarship for a Gay-Straight Alliance, presented by the Northern Illinois PFLAG Regional Council in memory of Bonnie Larson, a PFLAG mom, honors the dedication expressed towards making life better for LGBT youth. [Note: GSAs interested in applying for this award should fill out the Gay-Straight Alliance Awards Application form.]

INFORMATION WE NEED FROM YOU


Person making recommendation: (Yes, students may recommend themselves.)

Name ______________________________ Phone ___________________ Email ________________________

Address:

Relationship between person making recommendation and prospective recipient: (Check all that apply.)
___ Teacher/student ___ Family members ___ Youth service provider/client
___ Administrator/student ___ Clergy/youth ___ Friend/friend
___ I’m recommending myself ___Other (specify): ________________

********************************************************************************************

Name of prospective scholarship recipient: ________________________________________________

Birth date: ___/ ___/ ___ Year in school: __________Ethnicity: ______________Email:____________

Address: ____________________________City: ______________________ Zip code: _____________

Name of Chicago-area school(s) and town(s) where prospective recipient’s activism took place:

____________________________________________________________________________________

If applying for the CSSI Al Wardell Scholarship, briefly describe prospective recipient’s career goals:

______________________________________________________________________________

On a separate sheet of paper, briefly list actions the prospective recipient has taken that have had a positive impact on ending homophobia in a Chicago-area K-12 school. Be sure to include specific details, such as name and location of the school(s) involved, the time frame, and why the action was ultimately significant.

Also, send us a list of the following with corresponding dates:
• Awards and honors the student has won (school and non-school);
• Information about student’s academic achievement (if available);
• Clubs, activities, organizations, examples of activism (including those that are not LGBT-related);
• LGBT-related projects the student has in the works, both in school and in the community.

Name and phone number of one person who can confirm the above accomplishments:

Name: Phone:

Complete and return no later than May19, 2006. Awardees will be notified by early June, 2006.