- Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Youth
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Shaplaie Brooks, Executive Director
The Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Youth is proud to announce the 2026 Jeff Perrotti LGBTQ+ Leadership Award, honoring student leaders who are helping transform educational spaces into environments that not only accept but actively affirm and embrace LGBTQ+ youth.
This award recognizes high school seniors who have demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing LGBTQ+ justice and inclusion in their schools and communities. Named in honor of Jeff Perrotti, the founding director of the Safe Schools Program for LGBTQ Students, the award celebrates the values of compassion, equity, and courageous leadership that Jeff has modeled throughout his career.
Who Can Apply
The award is open to students who:
- Identify as LGBTQ+ or are allies
- Are currently in their final year at a Massachusetts public high school
- Intend to pursue education at an accredited college, university, or professional program (including technical or vocational institutions)
- Reside in Massachusetts at the time of application
- Commit to using the award funds toward full- or part-time academic or professional studies (minimum of 6 credit hours)
The Commission strongly encourages applications from students whose intersecting identities and lived experiences place them at heightened risk of systemic barriers to accessing and persisting in higher education.
Award Details
- Ten (10) scholarships of $4,000 each will be awarded
- Applications are due by Friday, March 20, 2026, at 11:59 PM
- Award recipients will be recognized during the Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Youth’s Annual Recommendations Ceremony in May 2026
Application Requirements
To be considered, applicants must submit:
- A completed application form
- A resume, CV, or other documented history of study and/or employment
- At least one letter of support from a trusted adult or peer
- Optional: Supplemental materials such as writing, artwork, or music that reflects the applicant’s leadership, vision, or impact
Honoring Jeff Perrotti
Jeff Perrotti’s decades of work with the Safe Schools Program for LGBTQ Students—a collaborative initiative between the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Youth—have helped ensure safer, more inclusive schools across the Commonwealth. Jeff’s leadership has shaped policy, strengthened GSAs, and supported educators, families, and students with compassion and clarity. This award honors his legacy while investing in the next generation of LGBTQ+ leaders and change-makers.
Apply Today
For full eligibility criteria and application information, visit the 2026 Jeff Perrotti LGBTQ+ Leadership Award Application.
Questions or accessibility needs? Contact SafeSchoolsProgram@mass.gov.
The Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Youth extends its deepest gratitude to the generous donors whose contributions make this scholarship possible.
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