SMYAL Youth Leadership Awards

SMYAL's Youth Leadership Awards give $5,000 each to five to eight LGBTQ+-identifying students, age 24 or younger, who attended high school or completed a GED in the DC metro area and are starting college in fall 2026; a related $5,000 Sophie's Live Out Loud Award recognizes a student for self-expression and community impact. Applicants submit a 1,500-word personal essay, two letters of support, and their list of college acceptances. The 2026 application cycle is closed; the 2027 cycle has not yet been posted.

Eligibility

DemographicsLGBTQ+ youth, DC metro area (DC/MD/VA), age 24 or younger

Applying

5-8 winners receive $5,000 each; a separate $5,000 Sophie's LOLA Award is also given.