The 2023 Scholarship Application is LIVE!
INTRODUCTION:
Sun City Pride sponsors scholarships for 3-5 El Paso Students each year pursuing higher
education from community college to medical school. Scholarships are based on an application
that helps demonstrate each student's dedication to the LGBT community as well as their goals
in helping the community at large. Over the years, this program has grown along with El Paso's
rich education market. We have been thrilled to support students form a wide range of careers
including the arts, engineering and medicine.
SODDEXO has been our consistent corporate sponsor. It is with their help that we can
provide so many students with this opportunity. We hope that as Pride grows, we will be able
to continue to bring financial support to those most deserving to continue to raise our
community up and help LGBT students thrive. The application process opens May of each year
and closes June 20, 2023.
ELIGIBILITY:
1. A student currently attending an accredited college, university or technical school in El
Paso/Las Cruces OR a new high school graduate that is accepted to an El Paso/Las Cruces
college, university or technical school for the coming academic year.
2. Intent to enroll as a full-time student (minimum 12 credit hours per semester) 3.
Self-identified member of the LGBTQIA+ community with a record of involvement in the
LGBTQIA+ community as well.
4. Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA in high school or college courses
EXCLUSION CRITERIA:
Current members of the EPSCP board and their immediate family may not apply.
Current employees of ADP and their immediate family may not apply.
PROMOTION:
Sun City Pride’s Scholarship program is one of the six flagship activities featured on the
initial landing site of our homepage (www.suncitypride.org). Monthly, this site generates over
3,000 page views with over 1,000 unique visitors. We know that 28% of these visits are
generated through Facebook which is why we promote the scholarship through Facebook
announcements weekly starting in February and running through April up until the scholarship
deadline.
Digital media is currently the leading news source for high school, college and graduate
level students. Consequentially, Instagram and Twitter are also used to reach our target
demographic. Aside from digital promotion, flyers are produced and distributed on campuses,
at coffee shops and within bars in Pride Square. Much of our campus work is done in direct
coordination with GSA’s and individuals school pride groups (e.g. UTEP’s Rainbow Minor
Initiative, TTUHSC’s Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Global Health)
Once recipients are selected, they are announced and honored during out OUT AT THE
PARK event with the Chihuahua’s Baseball Team as well as on stage during PrideFest. These in
person announcements are accompanied by digital releases through our social media platforms
and website.
SELECTION PROCESS:
Applications are due June 20 each season to allow time for screening for completeness.
Those applications which are complete are reviewed by the Community Outreach and
Mobilization board members. These members oversee selecting a panel for applicant review.
Scoring metrics are to be determined by the board members and provided to each member of
the scholarship committee in advance so that this process will be uniform. If logistically
possible, the selection committee will complete 15-20 minute interviews with each candidate
to evaluate their work, passion and fit for the scholarship program.
FUNDRAISING:
Multiple events are completed each year to ensure funds are raised for scholarship.
While the specific event titles range, all events completed at the Don Haskins Center where
EPSCP aids in running the bars help generate funds used directly for scholarship. (e.g.
GunsNRoses Concert, Monster Truck Rally, etc.) It is through this hard work and labor that the
board itself directly helps to support our community. Our sponsorship packet also includes the
option for a direct donation to the scholarship fund. This can be seen at
www.suncitypride.org