First National Foundation Dedicated to LGBT Scholarship and Mentoring Announces Opening of 2006 Application Period

For Immediate Release
Monday, January 9, 2006

Contact:
Simon Aronoff, (202) 822-5200 ext. 222,
saronoff@fenton.com

The Point Foundation and Matthew Shepard Foundation Announce Unique Collaboration to Safeguard Gay Youth

mtvU, MTV’s College Network, to Again Co-Sponsor Scholarship

First National Foundation Dedicated to LGBT Scholarship and Mentoring Announces

(Chicago, IL) — The Point Foundation, the first and largest national foundation to support academic achievement in higher education among lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students, has opened its 2006 application season by announcing more than a dozen named scholarships, including an exciting new partnership with the Matthew Shepard Foundation. The Point Foundation will also continue its partnership with mtvU, MTV’s 24-hour college network. Recently featured in TIME Magazine and on the Oprah Winfrey Show, the Foundation has experienced exponential growth and anticipates 5,000 applicants this year. In 2005, only one out of every 100 applicants was awarded a Point Scholarship. To meet the overwhelming need of LGBT students, Point is actively seeking funds to increase the number of scholarships it can offer in 2006.

A Point Scholarship is the most substantive academic award of its kind, in most cases covering the cost of tuition, books, supplies, room and board, transportation and living expenses. The comprehensive scholarships allow students to excel in the classroom, on campus and in their communities. In addition, Point Scholars are matched with mentors from the professional world who serve as positive role models and provide personal support, ensuring that students build a foundation of leadership skills they can use throughout their careers.

“I am proud to be part of the Point Foundation's tremendous growth this past year, as we expand and work with more students who would not otherwise have the financial and emotional support necessary to pursue their dreams,” said Judith Light, actor and longtime activist who joined the board of the Point Foundation in 2005. “Our commitment to Point scholars represents the best that our community can do for young people in a society that still discriminates, still marginalizes and still closes the door of opportunity for far too many outstanding individuals,” Light concluded.

This year, the Point Foundation will partner with the Matthew Shepard Foundation to offer a slate of new named scholarships, awarding $10,000 to three Matthew Shepard-Point Foundation Scholars. The Matthew Shepard Foundation was founded by Dennis and Judy Shepard in memory of their 21-year old son, Matthew, who was murdered in an anti-gay hate crime in Wyoming in October 1998. The foundations share a mission of empowering the LGBT community and educating others about equality. Vance Lancaster, executive director of the Point Foundation, will personally fund one of these new scholarships. The Point and the Shepard Foundations will partner to raise additional funds so that even more students can be helped.

“Judy Shepard and I are both about changing hearts and minds through education and turning around situations, making a positive out of what appears overwhelmingly negative,” said Lancaster. “I often think of Matthew and the terrible outcomes and crushing despair that too many LGBT youth still face. These scholarships aim to create a powerful legacy for our future leaders.”

“We are thrilled to partner with the Point Foundation and contribute to their work through the Matthew Shepard-Point Scholarships,” said Judy Shepard, Executive Director of the Matthew Shepard Foundation. “Our family and Foundation are proud to create an educational legacy that honors Matthew's commitment to service and equality,” concluded Shepard.

Additionally, mtvU—the largest, most comprehensive television network just for college students—will for the second consecutive year support a named scholarship in the amount of $10,000. The mtvU-Point Scholarship is available to students attending any of mtvU’s more than 730 affiliate schools, and the application and additional information can be found at mtvU.com.

“mtvU and the Point Foundation understand that paying for college isn’t easy, and that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students face unique challenges that can make covering this financial burden even more difficult,” said Stephen Friedman, General Manager of mtvU. “We’re proud to join with the Point Foundation again and help empower LGBT students to realize their dreams.”

Annually, the Point Foundation selects a range of students who are racially, ethnically, geographically and academically diverse. The students selected for Point Scholarships will earn their undergraduate and graduate degrees at some of the nation’s most prestigious institutions of higher learning and pursue studies in a range of academic areas.

The application deadline for this year's scholarships is March 1, 2006. The application process is open to all LGBT students and student allies nationwide regardless of level of education. For information on how to apply, please visit: www.thepointfoundation.org/apply.html

About The Matthew Shepard Foundation The Matthew Shepard Foundation was founded by Dennis and Judy Shepard in memory of their 21-year old son, Matthew, who was murdered in an anti-gay hate crime in Wyoming in October 1998. Created to honor Matthew in a manner that was appropriate to his dreams, beliefs and aspirations, the Foundation seeks to “Replace Hate with Understanding, Compassion & Acceptance” through its varied educational programs and by continuing to tell Matthew’s story. For more information, please go to www.MatthewShepard.org

About mtvU

Broadcasting to over 730 colleges across the country, with a combined enrollment of over 6.8 million, mtvU is the largest, most comprehensive television network just for college students. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, mtvU can be seen in the dining areas, fitness centers, student lounges and dorm rooms of campuses throughout the U.S. mtvU is dedicated to every aspect of college life, reaching students everywhere they hang out, through a three pronged approach—on-air, online and on campus. mtvU focuses on content including music programming, news, student life features, events, pro-social initiatives and more. For more information about mtvU, and for a complete programming schedule, visit www.mtvu.com.