The GARRAS Scholarship, presented by The TransLatin@ Coalition, supports Two-Spirit, Transgender, Gender Expansive, and Intersex (2TGI) students pursuing higher education or vocational training. This scholarship is designed to help 2TGI individuals achieve their academic and professional goals while investing in the future leadership of our communities.

As part of our commitment to educational equity and opportunity, The TransLatin@ Coalition will award two (2) scholarships of $5,000 each to eligible students residing in Los Angeles and neighboring counties.

Application Deadline:

September 15, 2026 at 11:59 PM PST

Please note that the GARRAS Scholarship is awarded for one academic year only. Scholarship funds will be paid directly to the recipient's educational or vocational institution.

Scholarship Essay Prompts

Applicants must submit one essay addressing all three of the following questions:

  1. Who am I?

  2. What are my goals while attending college or vocational training?

  3. How will I give back to my communities after graduation?

Maximum length: 1,500 words total.

Interview Process

Finalists will participate in an interview with a representative of The TransLatin@ Coalition. Topics may include:

  • Personal background and introduction

  • Current employment and career aspirations

  • Educational or vocational area of study

  • Community involvement and leadership within 2TGI communities

Important Award Requirement

Scholarship recipients must attend the GARRAS Fashion Show Fundraiser in person to receive their award. Failure to attend the event on November 7, 2026, will result in forfeiture of the scholarship.

Please note: Employees, board members, and sub-grantees of The TransLatin@ Coalition are not eligible to apply. Only complete applications submitted by the deadline will be considered.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

  • Be at least 18 years of age.

  • Be currently enrolled as a student.

  • Be enrolled full-time, as defined by their educational or vocational institution.

  • Self-identify as Two-Spirit, transgender, gender expansive, or intersex.

  • Reside in Los Angeles and neighboring counties (documentation required).

  • Undocumented students are encouraged to apply.

Applications Requirements

To be considered, applicants must submit:

  • Proof of full-time enrollment (e.g., transcript, enrollment verification, acceptance letter with enrollment status, or similar documentation).

  • One essay responding to the three scholarship prompts below (maximum 1,500 words total).

  • Participation in an interview with The TransLatin@ Coalition if selected as a finalist.

  • Acceptance of the scholarship media release terms and conditions.

  • Commitment to attend the GARRAS Fashion Show Fundraiser on Saturday, November 7, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM PST at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood.

GARRAS

Fashion Show Fundraiser

The GARRAS Fashion Show Fundraiser will be held on:

Saturday, November 7, 2026
6:00 PM – 9:30 PM PST
Pacific Design Center, West Hollywood, California

Recipients are encouraged to wear business or formal attire.

Additional event information:

  • Recipients may bring up to two (2) guests.

  • Recipients are responsible for their own transportation.

  • Recipients must arrive at least 15 minutes before the event begins.

Questions?

For questions regarding the GARRAS Scholarship, please contact:

contact@garras.org