Markowski-Leach Scholarship Fund

What is the Markowski-Leach Scholarship Fund?
The fund was established as part of a bequest from the estate of Jim Leach. He wanted to see that his partner Tom Markowski's vision of a scholarship for gays and lesbians was brought to fruition. The purpose of the fund is to award scholarship money to deserving students. Selected candidates must demonstrate their dedication to excellence in their lives through service, education, or employment. The Selection Committee attempts to identify students who show promise of becoming positive role models for other LGBTQ people.

There have been several large gifts to the scholarship fund over the years and smaller contributions of cash and other support that have allowed the fund to grow and thus to benefit. One aim of the Selection Committee to ensure that the fund continues in perpetuity.

Though no targets are set, candidates that are selected represent a mix of gender and school enrollment that reflects the applicant pool. The scholarship is not need-based; awards are made on the merit of the candidate's work, community involvement, and their future goals.

Who is eligible to apply?
Scholarships of up to $1,500 per year are available to LGBTQ graduate and undergraduate students who plan to attend San Francisco State University, Stanford University, or University of California Berkeley* during the academic year of the award.
* Due to limited funding, this does not include schools affiliated with the GTU.