Harvey Milk Award for Student Leadership

The Harvey Milk Award for Student Leadership named in honor of University at Albany class of 1951 alumnus and LGBTQIA+ rights champion Harvey Milk, recognizes an outstanding upper-level student who has dedicated their time to improving LGBTQIA+ inclusiveness on their campus for fellow students.

The Harvey Milk Award for Student Leadership is open to all SUNY full time students regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, disability status, or any other protected classes. The following is the specific criteria for the award:

• Upper-class (sophomore, junior, and senior) students and graduate students
• In good academic standing (a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher)
• Demonstrate a commitment to advancing an inclusive campus community to enhance LGBTQIA+ members' sense of belonging and experiences.
• Demonstrate leadership experiences that have had a significant and positive impact on campus or local communities in relation to the LGBTQIA+ population, including but not limited to removing barriers that affect LGBTQIA+ experiences, advocating for policy changes, or implementing campus-wide events/celebrations.
• Nomination required, which includes self-nomination*. A one-page essay to support the nominee's candidacy that demonstrates their involvement and leadership experiences as described in the scholarship eligibility and requirements. All nominations must include one letter of recommendation.

Award:
The selected awardees for the Harvey Milk Award for Student Leadership will receive a one-time $1,500 non-tuition scholarship award.

Important Dates:

• Nomination portal goes live on Wednesday August 19, 2026  
• All nominations must be submitted by Wednesday September 16, 2026, for consideration  
• Nominees’ applications due October 7, 2026   
• Recommendation letters due October 14, 2026   
• Announcement will be made by October 30, 2026 

*Students who would like to self-nominate themselves should contact the vice president for student affairs on their campus.