Knowledge is Power, Knowing is Empowering

April 07, 2025 | By NRCF Team

Every student deserves the chance to succeed—without fear, barriers, or the financial strain that often limits LGBTQ+ scholars. At National Rainbow College Fund (NRCF), we’ve always believed that education is the foundation for opportunity. Knowledge is power, and understanding the needs of this community empowers people to create positive change.

Our mission and impact have been featured recently in some of the most respected LGBTQ+ and community news outlets, including Los Angeles Blade, The San Diego Union-Tribune, OUT Magazine, and The Advocate Channel. These media spotlights are moments of recognition and proof of the urgent need for equitable access to higher education for LGBTQ+ students. The Bay Area Reporter was among the first to spread the word about our scholarship application deadline for the 2025-2026 school year, ensuring students had the opportunity to apply.

Every news article has helped amplify our message: financial barriers should never stand in the way of a student’s future. As highlighted in San Diego Foundation’s blog by Senior Director of Integrated Fundraising Jeff Spitko, LGBTQ+ students receive significantly less financial support from family than their heterosexual peers. Many also take on more student loan debt to compensate, later regretting that decision due to the insurmountable debt that becomes a burden.

Hear from scholarship recipients in an interview by The Advocate Channel, which brought national attention to these disparities. Mark Stuart, CEO of San Diego Foundation, shared the inspiration behind our mission in OUT Magazine—and what he would tell his fourth-grade self about the journey that led to the inception of NRCF. Los Angeles Blade reached one of the country’s largest LGBTQ+ readerships, while Channel Qused its radio platform to spread awareness about our scholarship program and to remind California students to apply before the deadline.

In smaller communities throughout California, 23ABC, KMUD News and Eureka Times-Standardplayed a crucial role in reaching LGBTQ+ students who may not have easy access to scholarship information. This coverage is especially critical for LGBTQ+ youth living in rural areas or with family who may not be supportive of their identities. Some students may even fear being “outed” while seeking support—but that’s what makes NRCF so unique: recipients do not need to be publicly out or disclose their sexual orientation to receive a scholarship. All information submitted to the scholarship portal is confidential.

These media moments build connections and raise awareness reminding LGBTQ+ students that they are seen, supported and accepted. Education is power and a force for change: every LGBTQ+ student should have access to resources to succeed in college and beyond.

Knowledge is power, and transformative—both for our mission and for the greater LGBTQ+ community. Just as media coverage helps NRCF connect with LGBTQ+ students, it also fosters a deeper understanding of the community, creating pathways for these students to access opportunities that may have once felt out of reach. For many queer students, seeing their experiences reflected in media, education, and leadership can be life changing. It sends a powerful message: you are not alone, you are valued, and you deserve a future full of possibilities.

Inspired to be a part of NRCF? You can help by spreading the word on social media, donating or volunteering.