About The pinnacle foundation
The Pinnacle Foundation: Empowering Young LGBTIQ+ Australians to Achieve Their Dreams
The Pinnacle Foundation is a non-profit organization that aims to provide educational scholarships, mentoring, and opportunities for young LGBTIQ+ Australians. The foundation was established in 2007 by Sean Linkson, who recognized the need for support and guidance for young people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex or queer (LGBTIQ+) in Australia.
The foundation's mission is to empower young LGBTIQ+ Australians to realize their full potential and overcome challenges arising from their identity. The Pinnacle Foundation believes that education is the key to unlocking opportunities and creating positive change in society. By providing financial assistance and mentorship programs, the foundation hopes to help young people achieve their dreams and become leaders in their communities.
Scholarships
One of the primary ways that The Pinnacle Foundation supports young LGBTIQ+ Australians is through its scholarship program. Each year, the foundation awards scholarships of up to $7,000 per year for up to three years of study at an Australian university or TAFE institution. These scholarships are open to students who identify as LGBTIQ+, are aged between 17-26 years old at the time of application and are studying full-time.
The scholarship program aims not only to provide financial assistance but also mentorship support throughout a student's academic journey. Successful applicants will be matched with a mentor who will provide guidance on career development and personal growth.
Mentorship Programs
In addition to its scholarship program, The Pinnacle Foundation offers various mentorship programs designed specifically for young LGBTIQ+ Australians. These programs aim not only at providing academic support but also emotional support during challenging times.
The Mentor Program pairs successful applicants with experienced professionals from various industries such as law firms or accounting firms who can offer advice on career development paths while also offering emotional support when needed.
Career Development Workshops
To further support the career development of young LGBTIQ+ Australians, The Pinnacle Foundation offers various workshops and events throughout the year. These workshops are designed to provide practical skills and knowledge that will help students succeed in their chosen fields.
The foundation also hosts an annual leadership conference, which brings together scholarship recipients from across Australia to network with each other and learn from industry leaders.
Impact
Since its inception, The Pinnacle Foundation has awarded over 400 scholarships to young LGBTIQ+ Australians. These scholarships have helped students achieve their academic goals and pursue careers in a wide range of fields such as law, medicine, engineering, and social work.
The foundation's mentorship programs have also had a significant impact on the lives of young people who identify as LGBTIQ+. Many mentees have reported feeling more confident in themselves and their abilities after participating in these programs.
Conclusion
The Pinnacle Foundation is an organization that is making a real difference in the lives of young LGBTIQ+ Australians. By providing financial assistance through its scholarship program, mentorship support through its various programs, and career development opportunities through its workshops and events – The Pinnacle Foundation is empowering young people to achieve their dreams despite any challenges they may face due to their identity.
If you are a young person who identifies as LGBTIQ+ or know someone who could benefit from The Pinnacle Foundation's support – we encourage you to apply for one of our scholarships or participate in one of our mentorship programs. Together we can create positive change for future generations!