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2026 Grant Recipients

Emori Witmer-Gautsch
(She/They/Them/Theirs) Ohio

Matthew Shepard
Memorial Scholarship
($2,000)

Emori is so grateful to be selected as a Matthew Shepard Memorial Scholar for the 2026-27 year. This program will help her fund a way out of the state of Ohio to her dream school, George Washington University, home of our nation’s first ever Political Communications Major.
With their trailblazing approach to education, Emori says "I hope to propel my career in Political Social Media campaign management, a goal I’ve had since I was twelve years old. Thank you for helping make this not-so-little girl’s childhood dream reality."

Kai Swan
(He/Him/His) California

Laurel Hester
Memorial Scholarship
($2,000)

Kai is incredibly grateful to the LEAGUE Foundation for this scholarship.
These funds will greatly assist his family in supporting his time at the Pratt Institute, allowing him to focus entirely on his education in Communication Design and pursuing his passion for graphic design.

Riley Hale
(She/Her/Hers) Washington

Frank Duracher
Memorial Scholarship
($2,000)

Riley is off to Seattle University to study marketing and global business.
This scholarship will help her lifelong goal of uplifting her community and building international connections to ensure safe spaces for all.

Graham Smith
(He/Him/His) North Carolina

Tyler Clementi
Memorial Scholarship
($2,000)

This scholarship is going to help Graham greatly with his transition to college and the expenses that come with it.
He shares, "I'm truly honored to be able to receive this support and continue to advocate and fight for LGBTQ+ people in every space I'm a part of."

Aleixander Turvey
(He/Him/His) Oregon

Robert Hebert
Community Champion Award
($2,000)

Aleixander comments, "This scholarship will not only help me to follow my dreams, but to help young queer kids like me."
With the scholarship, he can become the therapist that was needed when he was young, and will be there for those in need.
He continues, "Thank you for supporting my dreams, and the kids of tomorrow."

Julia Mayi
(She/Her/Hers) Georgia

LEAGUE-Georgia Chapter Award
($2,000)

Julia is headed to Howard University!
This scholarship will support her as she majors in Communication Studies with a concentration in Media Management and a minor in Economics.
Julia's ultimate career aspirations include but are not limited to, creating a full service entertainment agency that dismantles stereotypes and empowers marginalized communities.

River Galloway
(He/Him/His) Minnesota

LEAGUE Foundation Scholarship
($2,000)

The LEAGUE Foundation scholarship will help River to  pursue his dream of attending Macalester College this coming fall and eventually graduating in 2030 with majors in Biology and Psychology.
He indicates, "I hope to go into the medical or mental health fields in the future so I can help people live full, healthy lives as an LGBTQ+ affirming provider. This scholarship makes it so I am able to attend college, and I can follow my dreams of making the world a healthier and happier place."

Christopher Ou
(He/Him/His) Texas

LEAGUE Foundation Scholarship
($2,000)

Christopher is incredibly honored to be selected as a recipient of the 2026 LEAGUE Foundation scholarship.
He shares, "Thank you to the LEAGUE Foundation, generous donors, and friends for making this opportunity available! I'm the first in my family to attend a four-year university in America, and the financial uncertainty that comes with such a path is significant. It's because of organizations like LEAGUE that I'm able to pursue my interests in health policy without postponing or limiting my goals."
Receiving this scholarship is living proof that the hours spent distributing banned books, collecting testimonies, and translating queer health resources has not gone unnoticed. It sends a powerful message not just to Christopher, but to a host of young LGBTQ+ students and advocates that our visibility is not a burden, but a strength.

Austin Tapp
(He/Him/His) Ohio

LEAGUE Foundation Scholarship
($2,000)

Austin discovered his passion for the biological sciences through an independent project on fungi and ionizing radiation. That project was his first exposure to what a research career could look like, a chance to see a future that he never thought was possible.
"My primary goal is to become a professor, and publish research about fungi and their applications in bioremediation projects," he articulates. "However, marginalized identities of all kinds have been silenced in academic circles against the interest of scientific discovery and public interest. I felt an internalized fear that my own queerness would be the limiter of my potential."
Thanks to Austin's mentors and friends, as well as the support from the LEAGUE Foundation, he understands now that his queerness is an essential aspect of his research skillset. It takes many unique perspectives to discover knowledge, and that includes perspectives on identity and culture.
The LEAGUE scholarship not only supports my journey into academia, but affirms that LGBTQ+ students deserve a place in all disciplines, no matter the judgement of others.

Moe VandenHeuvel
(They/Them/Theirs) Michigan

LEAGUE Foundation Scholarship
($2,000)

In their future, Moe wants to make a difference in the world.
"I'm planning on studying psychology and finding ways to effectively teach people the importance of accepting the LGBTQ. With the scholarship funds, I will be able to continue my journey and show homophobic Christians how being queer isn't a choice; it's the way I am created," says Moe.
They are excited to continue to build communities that include, educate, and advocate for others who are welcomed out of hiding. And they are so honored to receive help from the League Foundation to continue their dream.