One of the nation’s largest scholarship programs for LGBTQ students named two Grossmont College students as recipients.
The Los Angeles-based Point Foundation offered awards to Gigi Andrews, a psychology major, and Jasz Cabrera, a theatre arts student.
Andrews and Cabrera are the only San Diegans among the 25 national winners of the community college scholarship.
The Point Community College Program focuses on LGBTQ students seeking to attend a four-year college or university. They receive up to $4,800 in scholarships, as well as admissions counseling, coaching and financial education.
Andrews and Cabrera were judged on criteria including academics, leadership, financial need and involvement in the LGBTQ community.
“These LGBTQ students have demonstrated the potential to be the informed and visionary leaders our society needs right now,” said Jorge Valencia, executive director and Chief Executive Officer of Point Foundation.
Andrews, 33, according to a bio prepared by Grossmont officials, came out at age 14. Bullied, she dropped out of high school, then earned a General Education Diploma. At 21, she was diagnosed with HIV, then in her mid-20s, came out as transgender.
She began attending Grossmont in 2005, but left until 2017, when she took an introductory psychology class. She hopes to attend the University of California or California State University systems and pursue a career in mental health.
Cabrera identifies as a non-binary trans student, according to Grossmont. She is interested in costume design and construction and plans to work in theater. She has a long-term goal of owning a clothing company that sells unisex attire.
– Staff reports