Point Foundation

Leadership developmentpoint provided a blend of in-person and online programming in 2023-2024. The highlight of this year's in-person programming was the inaugural career exposure program, which allowed six point scholars to visit the corporate headquarters of apollo global management and victoria's secret & co. To meet with company executives and leaders for each company's lgbtq erg. In addition to the career exposure program, point also collaborated with coach foundation and reaching out mba to support the attendance of seven scholars who attended coach foundation dream days and two scholars to attend the out women in business conference. Finally, the point flagship scholar retreat hosted sixteen scholars to participate in a 3-day program with workshops focused on leading with impact, facilitated by point board members and staff. Online programming in 2023-2024 included four ask the expert sessions that connected scholars to partners and career opportunities at amazon, ey, and in law; a rock your profile workshop with linkedin; a scholarship and fellowships panel; two financial literacy workshops and a scholar panel for students to connect across programs. Point also hosted a community college conference in the fall and spring to connect community college scholars with seasoned experts who shared critical skills to help students transfer to a four-year university and navigate the job market. Sessions included transfer 101, rethinking imposter syndrome, navigating organizational change, effective interviewing, personalized career exploration, and building professional relationships. Another key component of programming provides mentorship to point scholars. Research from the national mentoring research center provides evidence that affirming mentoring relationships promote positive educational outcomes for lgbtq youth. Point's commitment to effective mentoring starts with training mentors on best practices in lgbtq mentoring at the beginning of the year and year-end trainings about deepening the mentoring relationship with continuing scholars or shifting to an informal mentoring relationship with graduating scholars.a total of 56 volunteers were assigned as mentors to flagship and community college scholars. In aggregate, mentors had more than 300 meetings with scholars to provide personal and professional development. Through an exclusive online portal, point provides scholars with year-round access to lgbtq peers who share their insights and tips for success. Bipoc scholars also benefitted from three expert coaching discussions focused on the intersectional experiences of lgbtq bipoc students. One session offered strategies for authentic expression and the other two provided resources for mental health and wellness. These opportunities had a notable impact on our scholars, equipping them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed professionally, while also providing opportunities for authentic networking and community development. This year and every year, our priority is serving our students, enabling them to fulfill their academic goals, and recognizing that lgbtq people are underrepresented in leadership roles in almost every industry, becoming the leaders of tomorrow.

Selection of scholarsthe flagship scholarship application opened september 21, 2023, and closed december 19, 2023. We received 2,243 applications. Of these, 1,552 advanced to the semifinal round and were asked to submit additional materials. Fifty-four candidates advanced to the final round. Finalists submitted a recorded presentation about their academic interests, leadership, and service. Ultimately, 28 candidates were selected as point flagship scholars.the community college scholarship application opened september 21, 2023, and closed february 22, 2024. We received 358 applications. Of these, 164 advanced to the final round. Finalists submitted an eligibility check by confirming their enrollment plans for 2024-25. Ultimately, 101 candidates were selected as community college scholars.we run two selection cycles per year for the bipoc scholarship. The first cycle opened september 21, 2023, and closed october 26, 2023. We received 710 applications. Of these, 190 candidates were selected as bipoc scholars. The second cycle opened february 8, 2024, and closed march 14, 2024. We received 755 applications. Ultimately, 154 candidates were selected as bipoc scholars.persistence scholarship recipients do not apply; instead, we select highly-rated flagship, community college, and bipoc applicants who did not receive one of those scholarships. We awarded 236 persistence scholarships in total.