Alton Pride Opens 2026 Scholarship Applications for Riverbend LGBTQ+ Youth & Allies

ALTON — Alton Pride is proud to announce that scholarship applications are officially open for 2026 graduating high school seniors across the Riverbend region. The annual scholarship program supports LGBTQ+ students and allies pursuing higher education at a community college, university, trade program, or technical training school. This year, the organization will award four $1,000 scholarships.

In 2025, Alton Pride received a record number of qualified applicants, and the organization expects even greater participation this year. Scholarships are funded through community donations, fundraising events, and local sponsorships — including a recent gift dedicated to expanding services and activities for LGBTQ+ youth. “These scholarships aren’t just financial support,” said Lisa DeMarco, board member of the Alton Pride. “They are an investment in the next generation of leaders, organizers, and change-makers in our community.

Shown above are:

Bailey Rardin, 2025 Graduate of Alton Senior High, won last year’s Alton Pride Roadecker “Roe” Watts Scholarship.

Jamie Postlewait, 2025 Graduate of Alton Senior High, won last year’s Alton Pride Debbie Paynic Scholarship.

New Essay Prompt Empowers Youth Voice

For 2026, applicants will respond to a new, future-focused essay question:

If you could start a project, club, event, or movement for LGBTQ+ youth in the Riverbend area, what would it be? Share the idea, how you would implement it, what resources you would need, and why it matters.

This year’s prompt aims to elevate youth leadership by inviting students to propose real-world solutions and offer insight into the programs and supports they want to see in their communities.

Eligibility Requirements

Students must:

• Be a current high school senior
• Have completed at least 20 hours of volunteer work with Alton Pride or another nonprofit
• Live in the Riverbend region
• Submit a short online application and a 300-500-word essay

Application & Deadline

An online application is available at www.AltonPride.com

Deadline to apply: February 28, 2026
Award announcements: Late Spring 2026

About Alton Pride

Alton Pride is a charitable and educational organization dedicated to raising awareness, understanding, and advocacy for the regional LGBTQ+ community. Guided by our simple mission of COMMUNITY • CONNECTION • COMPASSION, the organization provides outreach, events, and resources throughout the Riverbend area, with a special focus on supporting LGBTQ+ youth and families. We are always looking for new volunteers! If you want to get more involved with your community, we invite you to join us! Check out AltonPride.com to see who we are and what we currently do in the community.

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