RBPA Scholarship Fund
RBPA Scholarship Mission Statement
To benefit deserving students by granting scholarships to individuals enrolled in an accredited program and to enhance self-esteem; to recognize and foster diversity; and to reward and support sensitivity to human rights.
To promote positive role models for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered individuals in the academic environment and community at large.
The Rainbow Business & Professional Association Scholarship Fund, Inc. was established in 1997. It was originally funded by a donation from Carolyn Jalbert in memory of her partner, Donna Tennant, one of the founding members of RBPA. Today we fund the annual scholarships from generous donations made by RBPA members, sponsorships, contributors in the community throughout the year, and through our annual RBPA Auction each December.
From the first award of $500 in 1998, the Scholarship Fund has grown steadily, and in 2008 we granted two students scholarships of $3,000 each. In 2005 we achieved another milestone by attaining a long sought-after goal: the RBPA Scholarship Fund established an endowment fund, with an initial investment of $10,000 and in 2007, we were able to increase the endowment fund by another $10,000. We are proud to have arrived at this goal, because it will enable scholarships to be awarded to worthy students for years to come. It is a tribute to the support we receive from the LGBT community and from our membership.
The RBPA Scholarship Fund takes applications each year from January through March. Recipients are selected by the Scholarship Committee which reviews the essay applications and selects two recipients. Application forms may be downloaded from this website link or requested from the contact information provided below. Scholarships are awarded at the Scholarship Awards Dinner each May.
For more information about the RBPA Scholarship Fund, Inc., or to make a contribution, please call RBPA at (207) 775-0077 or write to RBPA Scholarship Fund, Inc., PO Box 3442, Portland, ME 04104-3442.
Download the scholarship application
For information or to send your Scholarship Application via email, contact Stephanie Deveau at scholarship@rbpa.org