General Information

The Carolinas Gay & Lesbian Scholarship at Duke University was endowed to encourage and reward involvement in the LGBT community and activism by members of the community at Duke. The scholarship helps fund the education of a gay or lesbian-identified student from North or South Carolina attending Duke University. It was created to foster a more affirming atmosphere for and encourage leadership among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender members of the Duke community. The scholarship is awarded each year (beginning in 2000) with selection based on financial need and student involvement in the LGBT community.

What Do Past Scholarship Recipients Say about Duke?

Michael McElroy, Trinity '01 - Biology major - " Being an out LGBT student puts you in touch with a HUGE social network comprised of other undergrads, grad and professional students, and even some professors. You can use this network as a resource for any variety of things from getting career advice to dating (definitely a nice bonus). I would recommend Duke to others because you cannot walk on campus for more than five minutes without seeing another LGBT student (and allies are just about everywhere ). Though the queer community is large, it's possible to know practically everyone."

Frequently Asked Questions

Why have a gay & lesbian scholarship?

Though Duke seeks to be an accepting environment for LGBT people, it continues to have a reputation for being, according to the Princeton Review, a place where 'an alternative lifestyle is not an alternative.' The establishment of this scholarship is a way of signaling the intent of the University to embrace and celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of its LGBT students.

Isn't it illegal or against school policy to have this kind of scholarship?

No. There are a number of minority scholarships already available to college students. This scholarship was created to serve students who identify as a sexual minority.

How does one qualify?

You must be a student who identifies as gay or lesbian, who is from North or South Carolina, and who will be attending Duke University. The scholarship is open to both students who are matriculating from high school and students currently enrolled at Duke.

What if I'm not out to my family?

The scholarship is semi-confidential. The words gay, lesbian, or LGBT do not appear on any of the financial forms where the scholarship is listed, so it is possible to keep the nature of the award a secret if you decide to do so. The recipient of the award may, however, be asked to have his/her name printed in a list of University scholarship recipients.

How do I apply?

Contact person:

Janie Long
Director
Duke University Center for LGBT Life
02 West Union Building
Box 90958
Durham, NC 27708
ph: (919) 684-6607
janie.long@duke.edu