​“The civil rights struggle never ends. The more we know about the struggles of the past, the more prepared we are about the struggles for the future. Civil rights are a lifelong struggle. I am counting on all of them (youth) to take a little bit of what we have done and make it their own, moving the LGBT lifestyle forward.” –Larry T. Baza

What: Larry T. Baza Memorial Scholarship Fund

Who: This scholarship provides a measure of financial stability to students living in and attending a community college or trade school San Diego, Northern Baja California and/or Imperial County region who are both LGBTQ+ and one of the following identities: Chicana/o/x, Latinx, or Chamorro (Guamanian). Residents of Guam who plan to attend community college or trade school in San Diego in 2025 are eligible to apply. 
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Why: Larry T. Baza was a fierce advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, and for the arts and artists—especially BIPOC artists. He frequently called on LGBTQ+ youth to carry on the legacy of those who came before him. This scholarship has been created in his honor as a way to support youth/young adults in their path to seeking education and training.

This Scholarship is currently restricted to students attending community college or trade school. Students attending a four-year university are not currently eligible. 

Donate to the Larry T. Baza Memorial Scholarship Fund here.      
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Applications are currently closed and will reopen in March 2025.

To be eligible, applicants must:

1. Provide proof of acceptance to or enrollment in community college located in San Diego or Imperial County Region;
2. Attach a video, audio, visual, or written essay on any obstacles you had to overcome in pursuit of attending college. (Between 300 – 500 words or equivalent for non-written formats);
3. Complete this application questionnaire
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All applications received will be reviewed by a selections committee and will be reviewed based on the submitted essay/video. Awardees may apply for four consecutive years. If you apply and do not receive the scholarship, we encourage you to apply again in the future.
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If you have any questions, please email [email protected]