“Applying to a scholarship that advances diversity gave me a wonderful opportunity to reflect on my high school experience and ask myself, ‘How have I positively influenced my community so far? And how do I see myself continuing or improving my efforts in college?’”

Aadya Gupta, 2025 Recipient, Joseph Michael Kulka Jr. Scholarship 

The support of donors to the LGBT Fund enables the Fund’s board of advisers to administer two scholarship programs annually: the Joseph M. Kulka Award and the Mary E. Kwiatkowski Social Services Scholarship Fund.

The Kulka award is designated for a graduating senior of any Erie County high school pursuing a four-year college program. The award supports a student who demonstrates a strong commitment to increasing awareness and understanding of the value of diversity in the Erie region.

The Kwiatkowski scholarship is awarded to a female and/or LGBTQIA+ student planning to major or minor in social sciences and ultimately pursue a career in public services.

Apply For A Scholarship

The LGBT Fund administers two scholarships designed to remove financial barriers and open doors for diverse and underrepresented talent in Erie County. The Joseph M. Julka Award supports a student who demonstrates a strong commitment to increasing awareness and understanding of diversity in the Erie region. The Mary E. Kwiatkowski Social Services Scholarship is awarded to a female and/or LGBTQIA+ student planning to major or minor in social sciences and ultimately pursue a career in public services. Students must submit original essays with their applications.

• Joseph M. Kulka Award
• The Mary E. Kwiatkowski Social Services Scholarship Fund