LGBTQIA Resources For Students
Gender Sexuality Alliance Student Club
The Gender Sexuality Alliance (GSA) is one of the oldest recognized student clubs at MiraCosta College. Formerly known as the Gay Straight Alliance, the club’s mission includes strengthening the LGBTQIA community through social activities and community service, promoting acceptance and tolerance by embracing diversity, and advocating for human and civil rights.
The GSA club meets regularly during the Fall and Spring semesters; to view the current club leadership and faculty advisors visit the college's Student Clubs website.
Endowed Student Scholarships
In the spring of 2014 the Gender Sexuality Alliance Club (formerly known as theGay Straight Alliance Club) successfully endowed a scholarship fund by raising more than $25,000.00. The annual GSA Scholarship awards $1000.00 to a current MiraCosta College student who identifies as a member of - or an active ally to - the LGBTQ community. In the fall of 2015 the Trans* Pride Scholarship was created and fundraising efforts are currently under way to fully endow this scholarship. Most recently, in the fall of 2016, the Joe Maak & Pride Resource Partners LLC scholarship endowment was created and a $1,000.00 scholarship will be awarded annually to an LGBTQ student or active ally.
More information about these scholarships is available on the MiraCosta College Scholarship website; tax-deductible donations to either scholarship may be made at the MiraCosta College Foundation website.
Rainbow Stoles (for Commencement)
Rainbow commencement stoles for graduating LGBTQIA students and allies are available for purchase at the Oceanside Campus Bookstore. Faculty and Staff who have been LGBTQIA Safe Space trained also wear rainbow stoles at commencement. Students interested in wearing a rainbow stole should complete a free, interactive online training.
(Photo from Spring 2015 Commencement)
Mental Health Resources
MiraCosta College provides access to a number of mental health resources for both students and employees. Student resources include free and confidential one-on-one counseling with Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) interns. More info may be found on the Health Services website. Employee resources are on the Human Resources website.