IBA announces LGBT scholarship changes

The Independence Business Alliance and DVLF recently announced changes to their LGBT Business Scholarship program, including a substantial increase in funding.

The IBA/DVLF 2018 LGBTQ Business Scholarship Award has been doubled to $5,000. Additionally, the scholarship is now open to full-time graduate students in addition to full-time undergraduates.

“We wanted the scholarship money to be more impactful for students and we wanted more LGBT students to have an opportunity to apply for it,” said IBA Executive Director Zach Wilcha.

The scholarship is made possible by the ongoing support of the founding sponsor, LinguiSearch, as well as generous donations from several IBA members and the Balleroy Initiative, which allowed for the increase in funding.

“Scholarships like the IBA really support the advancement of the LGBT community and advancement of our young people,” said Michael A. Grosberg, DVLF board treasurer. “It’s great to see the folks at IBA have really taken to heart the building of this scholarship and the support it provides to the young folks in the community.”

“We wanted to make sure that this scholarship was something that would really help the way our winning students lived and studied,” Wilcha said. “What better way to do that than doubling the amount of money we give?”

Applicants of the scholarship qualify if they are a self-identified LGBT or ally student. Also, applicants must be currently enrolled full-time at an accredited college or university in the Greater Philadelphia region, which includes Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Montgomery and Delaware counties in Pennsylvania. This region also includes New Castle County in Delaware and Mercer, Burlington, Camden, Gloucester and Salem counties in New Jersey.

Applicants must also be working toward an undergraduate or graduate degree in a business program or major, demonstrating leadership roles.

“As the IBA advocates through the lens of business equality, it’s important for us to invest in future leaders for our community,” Wilcha said. “Scholarships, along with IBA membership and mentorship, are effective ways to assist today in the education of those who will be carrying on tomorrow’s progress as LGBT business leaders.”

The $5,000 scholarship is awarded for educational expenses including tuition, books, supplies, room and board. Funds will be payable on the winning student’s behalf directly to the school.

“We are always looking for donations to expand ways we can help the next generation thrive,” Wilcha said.

Scholarship applications for 2018 will be accepted through March 30.

Visit http://bit.ly/2G4DKjm to apply for the IBA/DVLF 2018 LGBTQ Business Scholarship Award.

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