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.
Endowed Student Scholarships
There are multiple student scholarships available for LGBTQIA+ students and active allies. More information about these scholarships is available on the MiraCosta College Scholarship website; tax-deductible donations to all scholarships may be made at the MiraCosta College Foundation website (please put name of scholarship in donation notes). The current scholarships available are:
- GSA Club Scholarship - In the spring of 2014 the Gender Sexuality Alliance Club (formerly known as the Gay Straight Alliance Club) successfully endowed a scholarship fund by raising more than $25,000.00. The annual GSA Scholarship awards $1,000.00 to a current MiraCosta College student who identifies as a member of - or an active ally to - the LGBTQIA+ community.
- Joe Maak & Pride Resource Partners LLC Scholarship - 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 LGBTQIA+ student or active ally.
- Trans* Pride Scholarship - In the spring of 2017 MiraCosta College made history by fully-endowing the Trans* Pride Scholarship. This scholarship focusing on transgender and gender non-conforming students in higher education is the first scholarship of its kind in the world.
- Queer and Trans People of Color (QTPOC) Scholarship - In the spring of 2017 student and employees established - and began fundraising for - the Queer and Trans People of Color (QTPOC) Scholarship. Highlighting the problematic climate for queer and transgender people of color both inside higher education and out, this scholarship seeks to raise visibility for - and conversations about - the unique and specific needs of QTPOC individuals. In 2019, the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall uprising, this scholarship became fully endowed.
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 individual, couples, and family counseling with the Mental Health Counseling team in Health Services. More info may be found on the Health Services website. Employee resources are on the Human Resources website.
Prism Collective
The Prism Collective is an initiative of the Student Equity Department and Health Services for LGBTQIA+ students. The group meets twice a month from 12 -1:30.