Since 1994, USC Lambda has awarded over $500,000 in scholarships to more than 150 students who, regardless of their gender or sexual identity, demonstrated academic achievement and a strong commitment to the LGBTQ+ community. These scholars have gone on to executive roles in Fortune 500 companies and LGBTQ+ nonprofits. They have spearheaded research in technology and sociology, produced award-winning films, and argued cases before the United States Supreme Court. They are doctors, educators, artists and activists who inspire our LGBTQ+ student body to see their sexual and gender identities as strengths, not obstacles.
Application Timeline
October 2020: applications available
February 1, 2021: application deadline
February-March 2021: applications reviewed by committee
April 2021: final applicant interviews, all applicants notified
All USC Lambda Scholars are required to:
- Complete bio and gratitude statement by May 2021
- Attend Lambda Scholar Retreat in Fall 2021
- Attend USC Lambda Scholarship Benefit Spring 2022
- Attend USC Lambda Scholarship Reception and Lavender Celebration in Spring 2022
- Fulfill 20 hours of service (10 hours per semester) in the academic year for the USC Lambda LGBT Alumni Association
Apply for a 2021-22 academic-year scholarship by 11:59 pm on Monday, February 1, 2021.
To help fund a scholarship, or if you have any questions about USC Lambda, contact Miguel A. Vásquez, Director of the USC Lambda LGBT Alumni Association.
USC LAMBDA SCHOLARSHIP IN OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT: $3,000
Available to an undergraduate or graduate student in any academic program of study whose creative work, scholarship and/or community engagement demonstrates leadership within the LGBTQ community.
USC LAMBDA SCHOLARSHIP IN LEADERSHIP: $2,000
Available to an undergraduate student in any academic program of study whose creative work, scholarship and/or community engagement demonstrates leadership within the LGBTQ community.
ALBERT BRECHT SCHOLARSHIP IN LAW: $5,000
Available to a student enrolled in the USC Gould School of Law whose creative work, scholarship and/or community engagement demonstrates leadership within the LGBTQ community.
ALBERT BRECHT SCHOLARSHIP IN LEADERSHIP: $7,500
Available to an undergraduate or graduate student in any academic program of study whose creative work, scholarship and/or community engagement demonstrates leadership within the LGBTQ community.
CHRISTINE MARIE OFIESH SCHOLARSHIP IN PERFORMING ARTS: $5,000
Available to an undergraduate student active in the performing arts (School of Dramatic Arts, Thornton School of Music, Kaufman School of Dance, etc.) who demonstrates a commitment to advancing LGBTQ issues through creative work, scholarship and/or community engagement.
DON THOMPSON SCHOLARSHIP IN CINEMATIC ARTS: $5,000
Available to an undergraduate or graduate student enrolled in the USC School of Cinematic Arts who demonstrates a commitment to advancing LGBTQ issues through creative work, scholarship and/or community engagement.
MATTHEW HOLLAND SCHOLARSHIP IN SOCIAL WORK: $2,500
Available to a graduate student enrolled in the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work who demonstrates a commitment to advancing LGBTQ issues through creative work, scholarship and/or community engagement.
SOLOMON NOTRICA SCHOLARSHIP IN BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES: $4,000-$5,000
Available to an undergraduate or graduate student studying the biological sciences (Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences; Keck School of Medicine of USC; etc.) who demonstrates a commitment to advancing LGBTQ issues through creative work, scholarship and/or community engagement.
Yvana Bustamante
Albert Brecht Scholarship in Law
Giselle Dominguez
Albert Brecht Scholarship in Leadership
TBD
Matthew Holland Scholarship in Social Work
Chasey Ridgley
Tomlinson Holman Scholarship in Cinematic Arts
Goaz Gerstl
Lambda Scholarship in Outstanding Achievement
Alexia Sambrano
Solomon Notrica Scholarship in Biological Sciences
Steve Vargas
Christine Marie Ofiesh Scholarship in Performing Arts
Nyle Rioux
Tom Peterson Scholarship in Business Administration
Ellice Wang
Amy Ross Scholarship in Health Studies
Astor Stark
Don Thompson Scholarship in Cinematic Arts