Out Spotlight LXIX

Today's Out Spotlight is the Point Foundation.

Point Foundation is the nation's largest scholarship-granting organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students of merit.

One of Point's co-founders, Bruce Lindstrom, grew up knowing only private despair and a fear of rejection. In his words, “every child has an innate fear of ‘abandonment’ or ‘rejection’ and that fear came true for me.”

"When Bruce’s family discovered he was gay, they rejected him for fifteen years. They “turned their back on evil.” No birthday cards. No phone calls. No Christmas gifts – in fact, Christmas gifts were returned when he would reach out. He never felt more alone at any time in his life.

That loneliness and helplessness eventually became the wellspring for Point – “I didn’t want what happened to me to happen to other LGBT youth,” says Bruce.

Bruce worked his way through college and eventually graduate school. In the early 1970’s, Bruce, a young entrepreneur at the time, met a gentleman by the name of Sol Price and together, they formed what was at the time a little known entity called, The Price Club, which eventually became Costco, and well. . . the rest is history."

After a wildly successful business career, Bruce and his long time partner Carl Strickland, wanted to give back.

In 2002, Bruce and Carl and a few of their close friends fully funded the first Point Scholars – a total of 7 amazing individuals.

And Since its inception Point Foundation has invested over $3 million in the education of outstanding LGBT students.

Point provides scholarships, mentorship, leadership training and hope for students of merit who have been marginalized due to sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.

Additionally, Point Foundation provides programs that affect social change by challenging attitudes that contribute to social stigma and its resulting prejudice, which is often experienced by those in the LGBT community.

A Point Scholarship is the most substantive academic award of its kind, in most cases covering the cost of tuition, books, supplies, room and board, transportation and living expenses. The comprehensive scholarships allow students to excel in the classroom, on campus and in their communities.

Point Scholars agree to maintain a high level of academic performance and to give back to the LGBT community through the completion of an individual community service project each year. In addition, scholars are matched with mentors from the professional world through Point’s Mentoring Program; mentors lend their professional expertise and career guidance and become important role models to scholars. The Mentoring Program and Point’s professional support network equip scholars with skills to ensure a lifetime of leadership, success and well-being.

Point Foundation Mentors also assist Point Scholars with professional career decisions, including the pursuit of graduate studies, internship placement and job opportunities after graduation. Additionally, each Point Mentor oversees the design and completion of an annual community service leadership project that is required of each scholar. Throughout the year, Point Mentors and Scholars work collaboratively to set goals and objectives that build leadership skills through service.

By helping students obtain a solid educational foundation, Point is building a future generation of leaders committed both to personal achievement and to extending their privilege to others in similar circumstances.

On average, a Point Scholarship awards $13,200 in direct financial support, in addition to the programmatic support Point provides in leadership training and mentoring. The average amount of annual support devoted to each scholar is between $26,000 - $31,000. Point’s multifaceted support for scholars extends far beyond their time in school.

The organization’s growth over a short period of time is noteworthy. In its first year, Point received 268 applications and granted eight scholarships. In 2008, approximately 1,344 applications were submitted and a record-breaking 27 students were granted scholarships. As of October 2008, there are 90 Point Scholars currently enrolled in school and 42 Point Alumni.

The Point Foundation also recently announced the recipients of its Courage, Inspiration and Legend Awards to those individuals and companies who have made differences in the LGTB community. This years recipients are : Silvio Horta, Creator and Executive Producer of the ABC-TV series, Ugly Betty, who will receive the Point Courage Award; PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP will receive the Point Inspiration Award; and the inaugural Point Legend Award will be presented to play writer, librettist, screen writer, novelist and director, Arthur Laurents (Gypsy, West Side Story).

The Point Courage Award recognizes an individual who has advocated for the future of the LGBT community and lives with the vision that investing in today's potential will produce a brighter tomorrow.

The Point Inspiration Award recognizes a corporation that champions respect and inclusion of the LGBT community, and operates with the vision that the success achieved by talented young people is limited only by the resources and opportunities they are given to help them fulfill their potential.

The Point Legend Award is presented to an individual who has, through the course of their lifetime, achieved greatness in their professional career and unapologetically supported the LGBT community.

The Point Foundation

Point Foundation Scholars

Point Foundation Alumni