2026 John Van Voris

scholarship

 
 

About the Scholarship

The John Van Voris Scholarship supports LGBTQIA+ students, children of LGBTQIA+ parents, and student allies in the St. Louis region. These $1,500 awards provide financial assistance for post-secondary, graduate, master’s, trade, technical, and vocational programs. Students attending or planning to attend community colleges, military colleges, and visual or performing arts institutions are also eligible. Our goal is to support students who support the LGBTQIA+ community and to empower those focused on advancing their education.

John Van Voris was a longtime Pride St. Louis, Inc. member whose volunteerism and courage inspired everyone around him. He passed away unexpectedly after our 1997 festival. In his memory, Pride St. Louis created this scholarship to honor his dedication and legacy.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

  • Have a minimum 2.5 GPA or no failing marks on a pass/fail system

  • Demonstrate financial hardship

  • Live within 50 miles of the Gateway Arch

  • Provide a copy of an acceptance letter or current transcripts

  • Have volunteered or worked for an LGBTQIA+ organization, school, or business

  • Submit an essay

  • Provide letters of recommendation illustrating commitment to the LGBTQIA+ community

AWard Categories

Community Scholarship: Open to any student, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, race, or ethnicity, enrolling in any eligible college or university.

Transgender/Gender Diverse Scholarship: Open to applicants who identify as transgender or gender diverse and who will enroll in any eligible college or university. Gender diverse refers to a person whose gender identity or expression does not conform to socially defined male or female norms.

BIPOC Scholarship: Open to applicants who are Black, Indigenous, or other People of Color and who will enroll in any eligible college or university. The term "person of color" is primarily used to describe any person who is not considered "white".

Visual or Performing Arts Scholarship: Open to any student, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, race, or ethnicity, enrolling in an eligible visual or performing arts program.

A student may apply for multiple categories but may only receive one award, and one or more scholarships may be awarded within a category, depending on applicant scores.

How to Apply

Complete our online application and upload all required materials, including transcripts or acceptance letter, essay, and two letters of recommendation.

Applications are due 11:59PM, Friday, October 17th, 2025