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, or sex, and is consistent with all current governing federal and state nondiscrimination law. 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 awardee for the Harvey Milk Award for Student Leadership will receive a one-time $2,000 non-tuition scholarship award.

Important Dates:

• All nominations must be submitted by September 12, 2025, for consideration
• Nominees' applications due October 1, 2025
• Recommendation letters due October 10, 2025
• Announcement will be made by October 31, 2025

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