
J. Tracy Hermann Scholarship Fund
The J. Tracy Hermann Scholarship was created to provide financial support to individuals pursuing higher education, particularly those who display leadership toward LGBTQ+ equality.
The scholarship is named in memory of J. Tracy Hermann, a highly esteemed civic leader and former Executive Director of the Community Center who brought many communities together through his steadfast commitment to equality and justice for all.
The Community Center offers $1,000 non-renewable scholarships for five (5) New York residents in the Mid-Hudson Valley, with a focus on Dutchess, Orange, Sullivan and Ulster Counties. Applicants from Columbia, Greene, Putnam and Rockland Counties will also be considered.
Eligibility
There is no age restriction. Scholarship funds may be used to support earning micro credentials, trade certifications, as well as Associate, Bachelor or Graduate degrees. We welcome returning students, which we define as someone who started college but did not complete or someone who has little or no engagement with college and wishes to continue their education.
Two of these scholarships are reserved specifically for transgender applicants and those from oppressed populations who show need and/or service. While the Community Center certainly wants to share stories of success and impact, we recognize that each person is on their own journey in relation to their sexuality and/or gender identity and so does not require applicants to be “out” in whole or in part. GPA, while a factor, does not automatically qualify or disqualify an applicant. GPA will be considered holistically as part of each candidate’s application.
Other factors that will be considered include financial need or independence, community, high school or college campus involvement, foster care status and history with the child welfare system, and history of previous impact by the criminal justice system, specifically those who were formerly incarcerated and/or are children of those currently incarcerated.
To Apply
The Community Center accepts applications each spring. The application period generally begins in early April and closes at the end of May. Candidates interested in applying must complete an online scholarship application form, which will take approximately 30 to 45 minutes to complete.
Current high school and college students must submit an unofficial copy of their current transcript. Applications are reviewed by the Scholarship Committee. Awards will be announced in mid to late June.
For Questions or To Support the Scholarship Fund
Those interested in financially supporting the J. Tracy Hermann Scholarship Fund or with questions can contact Richard Heyl de Ortiz, Executive Director, at richard@lgbtqcenter.org or at 845.331.5300, extension 1002.