The scholarship was created in order to honor the memory of Silicon Valley PRIDE's late Chief Executive Officer, Thaddeus Orlando Campbell. His amazing life and ability to bring the Silicon Valley community together to celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride each year was an amazing feat. With his charismatic character and his "can do" attitude, Thaddeus transformed Silicon Valley PRIDE into the amazing celebration it is today. We hope that this scholarship will continue to empower students in their growth and development as they become future leaders, giving back to the communities they serve. By coming together, celebrating our diversity, and making connections, the world becomes a more inclusive place.
Thaddeus Orlando Campbell
Scholarship Fund
SCHOLARSHIP PROCESS
In honor of the passing of late Silicon Valley PRIDE President, Thaddeus Orlando Campbell, the Board of Silicon Valley PRIDE would like to commemorate his contributions to the LGBTQ+ community by offering a scholarship fund in his name.
The scholarship money will be awarded to selected LGBTQ+ students who have exhibited an aptitude for their educational needs as well as contributions to their communities.
WHO
Applicants are expected to address as much of the following criteria as possible:
-
Identifies as an out and visible member of the LGBTQ+ community (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and/or any diverse identities and orientations within the LGBTQ+ spectrum).
-
Ages 18 years old and up.
-
Plans to or is currently pursuing a two or four year college degree.
-
Resides or attends a high school or college in California.
-
Has completed, or is expecting to complete, high school or equivalent schooling.
SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS
The winners will be selected by the board and entitled to the following scholarship funds:
One (1) First Place Scholarship: $10,000
Three (3) Second Place Scholarships: $5,000
Five (5) Third Place Scholarships: $1,000
Total to be distributed: $30,000
SUBMISSION PROCESS
Submissions must be done via the link below. The use of a desktop computer is strongly encouraged when submitting your application. Any submissions given in any other format (other then through the form at the link below) will not be considered as accepted.
As part of this process, the following information will be required:
Essay (less than 10,000 characters and in English) which should address the following topics:
“Why are you the right person to receive this scholarship, and how will the scholarship assist you in completing your educational goals?”
When answering this question, be sure to include:
-
Some basic background information about yourself.
-
Your contributions (if any) to the LGBTQ+ community, other nonprofit causes and/or to your community.
-
OPTIONAL: Video link or video file via YouTube. Should be posted to YouTube and available, publicly, to anyone to view.
-
Should not exceed 5 minutes.
-
CRITERIA FOR SELECTION
-
Emphasis will be placed upon the following items when reviewing the application:
-
Academic achievement
-
Volunteer activity
-
Strong sense of leadership
-
Ability to overcome adversity
-
Adaptability to learn and grow
-
Examples of service to local and surrounding LGBTQ+ communities
-
Focuses on the intersectionality of social and racial inequities.
-
THE SMALL PRINT
-
Silicon Valley PRIDE board members, their family members, employees, and contractors are not eligible for the scholarship.
-
Personal information collected as part of the application process will become the property of Silicon Valley PRIDE (a 501(c)3 non-profit), will be kept confidential and will only be used by the Scholarship Committee and the board of Silicon Valley PRIDE for purposes of evaluating applicants.
-
Only one submission per person allowed.
-
Prior award recipients are not eligible to apply or be granted another award.
-
Changes may be made to the application up until submission but must be submitted by the deadline noted below. Once submitted, applications cannot be changed unless rejected and notified as such.
-
Silicon Valley PRIDE reserves the right to change, alter or cancel the scholarship at any time for any reason up until awards are granted.
-
Recipients agree that the scholarship funds are to be spent only on tuition, fees and/or supplies.
DEADLINE
UPDATED DEADLINE
Submissions must be done by 11:59PM, PST, November 11, 2023 via the link noted below.
Selected award recipients will be notified via e-mail by November 19, 2023.
The winners will be awarded at a special Silicon Valley PRIDE Event on December 2, 2023
at Santa Clara Marriott. For event details, see svpride.com/tickets
The first place winner should be prepared to give a short speech about themselves and their educational goals at the event. The winners will also be posted on the Silicon valley PRIDE's website and social media outlets.