Adult Learner Scholarship
2026 Winner Announced
Niagara Pride, Inc. has named Jessica Borchert as the recipient of its 2026 Adult Learner Scholarship, a $1,000 award for LGBTQ+ adults across Western New York pursuing undergraduate, graduate, vocational, licensure, or exam-preparation programs.
Borchert is pursuing a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and hopes to give back to the LGBTQ+ community as an inclusive counselor.
The Board of Niagara Pride reviewed a number of strong applications this year before selecting Borchert as the 2026 recipient.
"In a world where LGBTQIA+ people experience rejection, exclusion and discrimination, Niagara Pride made me feel accepted," Borchert said. "Through their events and community I felt a sense of safety and inclusion. There are not many places in the world you can walk into and immediately feel welcomed and celebrated, especially as an LGBTQIA+ individual. Niagara Pride goes above and beyond to support the LGBTQ+ community by providing scholarships that help individuals pursue their educational goals. I am honored to receive the 2026 Adult Learner Scholarship. Through my master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, I hope to give back to this community as an inclusive counselor. Niagara Pride's scholarship helped make this happen. I am thankful for the support they gave me, and I am delighted to support LGBTQIA+ individuals."
"Adult learners are often the last to receive financial support and the first to be told it is too late to go back to school," said Dr. Ronald Piaseczny, LMHC-D, President of Niagara Pride, Inc. "This scholarship exists to say it is not. Jessica's story shows exactly why we fund it — and why we want to grow it for future recipients."
Thank you for your interest in our scholarship.
Application Portal Opens: August 1, 2026
Application Deadline: September 30, 2026
Application Decision: Within 2 weeks of the portal closing
Scholarship Amount: $1,000
Number of Scholarships Available Yearly: One (1)
Who Can Apply: Any WNY LGBTQIA2S+ resident enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate, vocational program, or non-matriculated student (if working towards licensure or credentialing). Exam preparation programs such as Kaplan and Princeton Review enrolls may be eligible to apply.
Qualifications:
-
Applicant must be able to submit proof of enrollment as part of the application process.
-
Scholarships will only be awarded to applicants who are enrolling in an accredited brick-and-mortar school/training program or virtual program
-
In addition, applicants must meet at least one of the following criteria
-
Earned a high school degree/GED, or
-
Be currently enrolled in a trade school, certification program, college or university, or exam prep program.
-
The ideal candidate for the scholarship will be someone who:
-
is passionate about LGBTQIA2S+ issues and/or has a demonstrated commitment to advancing the interest of LGBTQIA2S+ community, and/or
-
has an interest to provide valuable specialized services for the local LGBTQIA2S+ and allies community, and/or
-
a member of the LGBTQIA2S+ with a demonstrated financial need
Process:
-
Applicants must submit the Niagara Pride Adult Learner Scholarship Application online;
-
Applications should be submitted with one to two (1-2) letters of recommendation from non-family members. Letters of recommendation must contain contact information for the person writing the recommendation;
-
A copy of the most recent high school, post-secondary school or college transcript, or other relevant documentation pertaining to educational history, current licensing/credentialing, etc. must accompany the application;
-
If selected, proof of enrollment must be submitted prior to releasing the scholarship funds;
-
Once received, Niagara Pride will issue the winning applicant a check in the amount of $1,000.
The selection committee will be composed of board members of Niagara Pride, Inc.
Please contact info@niagarapride.org for additional information.