Bobcat Pride Scholarship Fund, BPSF, celebrated 16 years as San Marcos; only non-profit organization solely dedicated to supporting LGBTQIA+ individuals in Hays County. What began with a few Texas State faculty recognizing the financial vulnerability and precariousness of young queer people and wanting to help with emergency aid, grew into a non-profit that now has three unique economic justice programs. BPSF continues to provide emergency aid through the Jeremy O. Torres Emergency Stabilization Fund, where 18-25 year olds, LGBTQIA+ individuals experiencing sudden financial hardship can receive a $400 award. With the current economy, something as simple as a flat tire may be the only thing between keeping your job or finishing your degree and being homeless. Additionally, every fall and spring BPSF provides four academic scholarship opportunities to Hays County residents pursuing any post-secondary education. These $1,000 scholarships can be applied to any education related expenses. Lastly, the non-profit has paid internship opportunities each semester that provides recipients with practical professional experience and monetary support. BPSF consists of an all-volunteer board of directors and proceeds for the three programs come directly from generous community support and grants. For the last three years the Jeremy O. Torres Emergency Stabilization Fund has been funded, in part, by a grant from the City of San Marcos Human Services Advisory Board. Since its inception, BPSF has been able to put over $200,000 back into the Hays County community by supporting queer individuals, and being a resource and safety net for those who may not otherwise have ready access to such securities.
The Bobcat Pride Scholarship Fund (BPSF) provides monetary funds to support individuals who have minority sexual and gender identities (LGBTQIA+), residing in San Marcos or Hays County. Support is provided through emergency stabilization grants, academic scholarships, and paid internships.
Bobcat Pride Scholarship Fund (BPSF), a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is private and independent from Texas State University and any of its
organizations. www.bobcatpridescholarship.com