WATSONVILLE—Despite canceled fundraisers and an uncertain future for its annual Pride event, Pajaro Valley Pride is still accepting applications for its yearly college scholarship.
The Pajaro Valley Pride Scholarship is open to any LGBTQ+ or ally student enrolled full-time in Pajaro Valley Unified School District with a GPA of 2.5 or higher. The student also must be on track to graduate this spring and have plans to begin higher education in the fall.
Danielle Elizalde, Marketing Coordinator for Pajaro Valley Pride (PVP), said that it was important to the organization to still offer the scholarship, despite the current challenges surrounding COVID-19.
“There is a lot of uncertainty right now,” Elizalde said. “This scholarship can be a bright light for somebody… A way to see a better future.”
PVP is looking for students who have been directly involved in LGBTQ+ activism. Applicants are asked to answer two short questions about their involvement and how it has/can support the community. Scholarships will range from $500 to $2,000 depending on the number of accepted applications.
A good chunk of the money is from last year’s benefit concert at the Kuumbwa Jazz Center, which raised thousands of dollars solely for the scholarship.
“That event is one of the reasons we can move forward, especially since we can’t really fundraise right now,” Elizalde said.
To apply, students must complete a form and submit with it transcripts and a letter of recommendation from a teacher, counselor or supervisor. They can send it through email or standard mail.
Applications are due by June 1, but Elizalde says the organization will be flexible given current circumstances.
“Kids need help,” she said. “College is so expensive, and it’s more important than ever to support LGBTQ+ students who want to succeed.”
PVP is dealing not only with canceled fundraisers, but uncertainty about its annual Pride event, which is held every August in Watsonville. The organization is taking donations through its website, and staying in touch with the community through social media.
“We don’t really want to be out there asking for money right now,” Elizalde said. “Everyone’s financial standing is in question. But if you can help, of course, we wouldn’t say no.”
As far as the scholarship goes, however, things are going as planned.
“No matter what, this scholarship will happen,” Elizalde said. “These [students] have the potential to go get an education, and then bring it back into the world and further their activism. Being able to help someone achieve that is really cool.”
To apply for the Pajaro Valley Pride Scholarship visit pajarovalleypride.org. You can follow PVP on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
