PFLAG Cincinnati's
Tom & Marie Jenkins Memorial Scholarship Program
Our 2026 application is now open!
Each year PFLAG Cincinnati offers scholarships to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other gender and sexual minority (LGBTQ+) students and their allies residing in or attending college in the greater Cincinnati area.
The scholarship awards are a reflection of PFLAG’s commitment to a world where diversity is celebrated and all people are respected, valued, and affirmed, inclusive of their sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression.
The Cincinnati Chapter of PFLAG will recognize outstanding individuals who show a high level of involvement within the LGBTQ+ community while demonstrating academic success and leadership. Click on the button below to learn more.
Since the program’s inception in 1992, PFLAG has awarded over $252,000 in scholarships to 171 talented and deserving LGBTQ+ students and their allies. In 2021, the scholarship was renamed to the Tom & Marie Jenkins Memorial Scholarship in recognition of Tom & Marie's lasting impact on PFLAG Cincinnati and the LGBTQ+ community in the greater Cincinnati area.
Applicants are reviewed by the PFLAG Scholarship Committee. Awardees are announced during Pride month and awarded at a PFLAG meeting in June or July.
Read the information at this link first for purpose, eligibility, terms and application deadline.
Three application options:
Fill out, upload files, submit online, edit responses if needed
Download, fill out, & mail in
Make a copy, fill out, & mail in
PFLAG Cincinnati Awards Four 2025 Tom & Marie Jenkins Memorial Scholarships
PFLAG Cincinnati's Tom & Marie Jenkins Memorial Scholarship Program 2025 Annual Awards program awarded $2,000 each to deserving young leaders: Christian Caffey, Ursula Cherry, Elliot Kershaw, and Hunter Staton.
Aubrey Stephens will attend The Ohio State University in the Fall and major in
Pharmaceutical Sciences. In her high school, she was a role model that helped normalize
LGBTQ+ people by openly being herself. She also posted about Pride and brought
awareness to LGBTQ+ issues on social media
Charlie Giraud is a student at the University of Cincinnati pursuing their doctoral
degree in Clinical Psychology. They are prolific in conducting research on the mental
health of LGBTQ+ individuals and work to disseminate results so that others can benefit
from the knowledge. In addition to research, they also provide clinical services to the
community.
Eileen Dowd is an Early Childhood Educator and Youth Soccer Coach who will continue
her education at the University of the Cumberlands in the Fall pursuing a Masters in
Teaching. In her work with youth, she strives to create safe spaces where everyone feels
supported and valued regardless of their identity. She consistently stands up for others
and models acceptance.
Evelyn Hayberger is an Engineering major at the University of Cincinnati. She is a
Lead TA for the first-year engineering course, and she has worked behind the scenes to
make sure this course is inclusive and equitable to all students. She also provides
unwavering support for anyone who needs support.
Gracyn Kent will attend UC Clermont in the Fall to pursue a degree in Aviation
Technology in pursuit of a career as a professional pilot. While in college, they helped
create LGBTQ+ programming and was a Resident Assistant in an LGBTQ+ Living
Learning Community. They are also the Local Chapter Director for the National Gay
Pilots Association Cincinnati/NKY region.
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Left to right: Evelyn Hayberger, Gracyn Kent, and Charlie Giraud. Not pictured: Aubrey Stephens and Eileen Dowd