QYLA was created in 1998 to shift the conversation about queer youth from risk to leadership. This county-wide, collaborative event serves to honor and celebrate queer youth leaders and the ally’s that support and empower them. With the help of individuals like you who take the time to write nominations, we can continue to celebrate our youth leaders and their ally’s as well as the thriving and inclusive community we are creating, together. QYLA consists of three award categories: Queer Youth (for out LGBTQIA+ youth) Ally to Queer … [Read more...]
[Save the Date] 26th Annual Queer Youth Leadership Awards – May 13, 2023
Please join us in honoring & celebrating Queer Youth Leaders and their Allies! When: Saturday, May 13, 2023 @ 5:30 PM Where: New Brighton Middle School, Capitola | Outdoors in the Quad For more information, visit QYLA.org or call (831) 427-4004 or email us at info@QYLA.org … [Read more...]
Santa Cruz City Schools (SCCS) Honors Ron Indra, Director of the Safe Schools Project!
Thank you Santa Cruz City Schools (SCCS) for being supportive of our LGBTQIA+ students all these years! And thank you for honoring Ron Indra, teacher and GSA Advisor at Harbor High School for 35+ years (retired now) and for leading the Safe Schools Project of Santa Cruz County as Director! … [Read more...]
26th Annual Queer Youth Leadership Awards
Dear Friends of LGBTQIA+ Youth, The Queer Youth Task Force is proud to announce the date & location of the next QYLA: 26th Annual Queer Youth Leadership Awards Saturday, May 13, 2023 5:30 PM New Brighton Middle School, Capitola Outdoors in the Quad Save-the-Date! Please join us in honoring & celebrating Queer Youth Leaders and their Allies! Special thank you to: New Brighton Middle School (NBMS) Queer Straight Alliance (QSA) student club Leadership Team and QSA members Ms. Erica … [Read more...]
Weekly LGBTQ+ Youth Virtual & In-Person Events
The Diversity Center Youth Program, Santa Cruz County The youth program at TDC provides supportive, educational and social activities for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer and questioning (LGBTIQ) youth. Check out their weekly schedule events at diversitycenter.org/youth Questions? Email youth@diversitycenter.org The Epicenter Presents: "Sharing Circle" - In Person Developed from the concept of peer social support, our Sharing Circle is designed to create a safe space for LGBTQ+ youth to express themselves … [Read more...]
Holiday Resources for Queer Youth
1. Self Care, Faith During the Holidays, and Going Home for the Holidays The holidays can be a difficult time for LGBTQ+ youth, here are some resources to help you or a friend. Holiday Self-Care Tips for LGBTQ Youth - The Trevor Project Stories and Encouragement - Faith During the Holidays - Gender Spectrum Going Home for the Holidays...Or Any Days - PFLAG 2. GSA Network | Queer and Trans Wellness Resources & Holiday Self Care Tips "The Queer and Trans Wellness Resources were developed specifically for queer … [Read more...]
Crisis Support
Scholarship Application Resources
"How to Apply for Scholarships" - Sallie Mae Get tips on college scholarship applications and choosing which scholarships to apply for. "Scholarship Applications Tips and Advice" - National Society of High School Scholars Former NSHSS Scholarship Director, Dr. Susan Thurman, offers up some helpful tips for students applying for scholarships. These tips are relevant to students applying for any scholarship. Top 10 Tips for Writing Effective Scholarship Essays - Clackamas Community College "When you are faced with the … [Read more...]
Internship Opportunities
Available Spring 2023 Internships & School Credit for K-12 Students – If you are a middle school and high school student interested in attaining community service hours for a queer youth project, internships and school credit can be arranged. Please select one of the QYTF Projects that interests you and then secure a teacher or advisor who will sponsor your community hours. The Task Force can help identify a teacher on your campus if needed. Then, please contact us. One-time short project and/or projects over several months are … [Read more...]
Federal Student Aid Scholarship Database
"Scholarships are gifts. They don't need to be repaid. There are thousands of them, offered by schools, employers, individuals, private companies, nonprofits, communities, religious groups, and professional and social organizations." studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/scholarships … [Read more...]