The J. Tracy Hermann scholarship was created to provide financial support to individuals pursuing higher education, particularly those who display leadership toward LGBTQ+ equality. The scholarship is named after the Community Center’s former Executive Director, J. Tracy Hermann, a highly esteemed civic leader who brought many communities together through his steadfast commitment to equality and justice for all.

The Community Center offers $1,000 non-renewable scholarships for five (5) New York residents in the Mid-Hudson Valley, with a focus on Dutchess, Orange, Sullivan and Ulster Counties. Applicants from Columbia, Greene, Putnam and Rockland Counties will also be considered. There is no age restriction. Scholarship funds may be used to support earning micro credentials, trade certifications, as well as Associate, Bachelor or Graduate degrees.

Two of these scholarships are reserved specifically for minority and transgender applicants who show need and/or service. While the Community Center certainly wants to share stories of success and impact, we recognize that each person is on their own journey in relation to their sexuality and/or gender identity and so does not require applicants to be “out” in whole or in part. GPA, while a factor, does not automatically qualify or disqualify an applicant. GPA will be considered holistically as part of each candidate’s application.

Other factors that will be considered include financial need or independence, community, high school or college campus involvement, foster care status and history with the child welfare system, and history of previous impact by the criminal justice system, specifically those who were formerly incarcerated and/or are children of those currently incarcerated.

Candidates interested in applying should complete the scholarship application form, which will take approximately 30 to 45 minutes to complete. The application does not need to be completed in one sitting. Applicants can save and return to their application before submitting. Those intending to apply can view and download the application questions by clicking on the “Application Questions PDF”.

Current high school and college students will need to submit an unofficial copy of their current transcript. Applications for 2025 will be accepted through Friday, 5/31. Applications are reviewed by the Scholarship Committee. Awards will be announced in mid-June.

Those interested in financially supporting the J. Tracy Hermann Scholarship Fund or with questions can contact Richard Heyl de Ortiz, Executive Director, at richard@lgbtqcenter.org or at 845.331.5300, extension 1002.