A new scholarship of $100,00 will support queer and ally students of Social Transformation Studies. The Dusty Garner Social Justice Fund will be used primarily for students´ scholarships and funding efforts for the department.
The Social Transformation Studies department aims to promote social change and educate students to become change-makers. The class courses range from sexuality and gender studies, ethnic studies and social justice work.
The curriculum appeals to students with an interest in activism, advocacy and work with minority groups. ¨Certainly, lots of the students that seek out the courses and the minor are themselves queers or trans,¨ Christie Launius, associate head of the department said. ¨But we also get students who are straight and cisgender [that] maybe want to work with or for the LGBT community professionally.¨
Young adults that identify as part of the LGBT community often struggle to outwardly show who they are on the inside, and that can have a negative effect on their education and career.
Scholarships that focus on the queer student population can have a major impact on the recipient´s life. ¨It's night and day,¨ Brandon H. Haddock, LGBT Resource Center coordinator said. ¨When a student is able to truly be who they are and we can provide financial assistance, every little bit helps.¨
The Resource Center offers a number of scholarships that aim to help the students in the LGBT community. Funds can assist queer students that may be going through transitioning or mental health care.
Students that need additional mental health or physical help can feel at ease when receiving a scholarship. ¨I think that for a lot of our students it helps them make ends meet or help them cover tuition.¨ Julia Coverdale, Sexuality and Gender Alliance (SAGA) president said.
Funding received through any of the Resource Center branches can also provide a sense of belonging. ¨A lot of the people that apply to the scholarships are people that are doing a lot of work for either SAGA or the Resource Center or both, I hope it helps them feel like their work and their effort is worth it and validated,¨ Coverdale said.
It is the hope that by bringing forth a considerable amount of money to the Social Transformation Studies department, queer students and allies will be able to succeed in their academics.
For the upcoming year, the LGBT Resource Center and the Social Transformation Studies department plan to expand their reach and make students aware of the resources and support offered.
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