Scholarships for Higher Education

Education can open doors, change lives, and create new possibilities. Volusia Pride’s scholarships are one of the ways we invest in students and support the next generation as they pursue higher education, personal growth, and community leadership.

These opportunities reflect our belief that every student deserves the chance to thrive. By helping reduce financial barriers and encouraging academic achievement, our scholarships support futures grounded in belonging, equity, and opportunity.

The David Taulbee Memorial Scholarship

Applications open through July 31, 2026

Through a generous donation made in memory of David Taulbee, Volusia Pride is proud to announce the launch of the David Taulbee Memorial Scholarship for the Fall 2026 semester. 

Created to honor David Taulbee’s legacy of creativity and advocacy, this program invests in the next generation of LGBTQ+ leaders, artists, and changemakers through both a scholarship and fellowship opportunity.

Apply

  • Applications for the David Taulbee Memorial Scholarship will open on July 1, 2026.

  • The David Taulbee Memorial Scholarship is $500.

  • This scholarship is intended to support LGBTQ+ students enrolled in either an Associate of Arts (A.A.) planning to pursue a bachelor’s degree in an eligible program related to culinary arts, dance, fine arts, hospitality, interior design, music, theatre, or voice or be pursuing a related Associate of Science Degree (A.S.) or Certificate Program. 

    Applicants must: 

    • Be enrolled at Daytona State College or Seminole State College for the Fall 2026 semester 

    • Be pursuing an eligible A.A or A.S. degree or certificate program 

    • Be in good academic standing with a minimum 2.0 GPA 

    • Identify as LGBTQ+ or be an ally to the LGBTQ+ community* 

    Applicants should also demonstrate creativity, passion for their field, and a commitment to fostering belonging, inclusion, and community through their work. 

    *Volusia Pride does not discriminate against any individual on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion or creed, disability, socioeconomic status, marital status, military or Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

  • Scholarship funds can be used to pay for any educational related expenses.

  • We make every effort to protect the identity of all our applicants.

    Applicants are notified via email of any updates to their applications and, if awarded a scholarship, can choose how they receive their funds (via mail or meet up in person locally).

    The names of our scholarship recipients are only made public with permission.

    We have no requirement to provide a copy of FASFA and family income which eliminates the need to gather information from family members.

Volusia Flagler Rainbow Alliance

Applications for 2026 are now closed, winners will be notified by May 1, 2026!

The Volusia Flagler Rainbow Alliance Scholarship program offers scholarships to students in Volusia or Flagler County attending or planning to attend a college, university, post-secondary vocational or technical program.

The grants may be used towards tuition, room and board, books, or supplies.

Recipients are chosen by the Scholarship Committee on the basis of academic achievement and service to the Volusia-Flagler LGBTQ+ community.

  • Applications for the Rainbow Alliance Scholarship are open from January 1 to April 30. Applications for 2026 are now closed, but come back next year to apply!

  • The Rainbow Alliance Scholarship is $500.

  • The number of scholarships awarded each year varies based on the amount of funds available and the number of qualified applications summitted.

  • The Rainbow Alliance Scholarship is open to students that have qualifying educational expenses and have demonstrated service to the Volusia-Flagler LGBTQ+ Community.

  • Scholarship funds can be used to pay for any of the following educational related expenses:

    • a degree from an accredited college or university

    • a degree from a technical or vocational program

    • expenses related to a professional certification exam

    • expenses related to a trade apprenticeship program

    • participation in an LGBT centered program

  • Absolutely!

  • We make every effort to protect the identity of all our applicants.

    Applicants are notified via email of any updates to their applications and, if awarded a scholarship, can choose how they receive their funds (via mail or meet up in person locally).

    The names of our scholarship recipients are only made public with permission.

    We have also eliminated the requirement to provide a copy of FASFA and family income to eliminate the need to gather information from family members.

  • You can donate year round to the Volusia Flagler Rainbow Alliance via our Givebutter Fundraising Page.

    We also hold our annual TurnAbout Fundraiser every year at the end of summer. Stay tuned to our Facebook Page and Calendar of Events for more details.