Bonnie J. Tinker Scholarship – Southwest Washington Pride Alliance

Introduction:

The Bonnie J. Tinker (BJT) Scholarship was established in 2012 to provide support for LGBTQ+ Youth and Families in the SW Washington Five (5) County Area (Counties – Skamania, Clark, Cowlitz, Wahkiakum, and Pacific).

In 2016, the Board of Directors chose to name the Scholarship after Bonnie J. Tinker who was an inspired voice for the LGBTQ+ Community. The Scholarship is funded through donations, variety shows, and community fundraisers. Along with this, ten percent of the funds from all other events and programs are given to the Scholarship Fund.

Background:

Bonnie J Tinker was a strong voice for the rights of Women, Children, and the LGBTQ+ Families around the country. She worked to improve relations between diverse populations and viewpoints through her teaching of the LARA Method; a means to work through divergent beliefs to find common ground.

She was tireless in her work for Marriage Equality and the treatment of children and youth in the public schools. Her Anti-Bullying Program was taught in local school systems in the Portland / Vancouver Metro Areas. She was a key speaker on Television, Radio and Print Media for LGBTQ+ Equality. As a member of the Quaker Community, she helped the Quakers understand the importance of Marriage Equality. Her stance on Non-Violence and Non-Violent Intervention Techniques assisted in the development of procedures for working with divergent populations.

To be eligible, a candidate:

Must have been a resident of Southwest Washington (of the 5 SW WA Counties named above) for at least one year prior to submitting an application. Residency requirement is one full year (For Example: If you were seeking an application in 2017, you must have lived in the 5 counties for the entire year of 2016.)

Must identify as gay/lesbian/bi/transgender/queer, or have a parent/guardian that identifies as gay/lesbian/bi/transgender/queer. Allies of the LGBTQ+ Community may apply, but preference is given to LGBTQ+ Children, Youth and their Families first.

Must currently work or volunteer promoting social justice, equity, or inclusivity of the LGBTQ+ community.

Must exhibit the desire to continue working to promote social justice, equity, or inclusivity for the LGBTQ+ community.

Must be pursuing education beyond the secondary level in one or more of the following areas: College, University, Trade and/or Vocational School, or The Arts. (On-line certificate or degree programs are not eligible for funding.).

Must demonstrate a need for financial assistance.

Must be accepted (or acceptance-pending) for enrollment or enrolled in an accredited educational program beyond the secondary level which has an established non-discrimination policy that includes sexual and gender minority groups.

Evidence the potential to successfully complete their selected program of study.

Cannot be an employee working with or a committee or board member of Scholarship.

Learn more or find out how to apply here!