Berdon Scholarship | Rainbow Center | University of Connecticut

Thank you for your interest in applying for the David Daniel Berdon Scholarship. Applications are due by December 12th, 2026.

The purpose of this memorial scholarship fund is to provide scholarship support for students enrolled full-time at the University of Connecticut; and be actively engaged in events and programs of the Rainbow Center, or similar such programs at the University serving diverse communities of gender identities, gender expressions and sexualities, which may include, without limitation, the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning, and Allied communities. Candidates should demonstrated an interest in issues of concern to these communities by pursuing relevant academic coursework and activism. The scholarship is open to undergraduate and graduate students.

Please apply below:

David Daniel Berdon Scholarship Application Form

Name
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Chosen Name
Legal Name*
First Last
Your Gender Pronouns*
Example: she/her/hers, they/them/theirs, he/him/his, etc.
Academic Standing (must be enrolled full-time @ UConn)*
- Undergraduate Student (full-time) at UConn
- Graduate Student (full-time) at UConn
Current accumulative UConn GPA*
UConn PeopleSoft Number*
Please enter a number from 1000000 to 9999999.
UConn netID*
Date of Birth*
Month
Day
Year
Mailing Address*
Street Address Address Line 2 City State ZIP Code
Contact Email*
Contact Phone*
Resume*
Accepted file types: pdf, Max. file size: 250 MB.

Please upload a current resume in pdf format.
Essay 1: About You*
Please tell us a little about yourself and why you are interested in being a Berdon Scholar. Kindly keep the response to 300 words or less.
Essay 2: Co-curricular Participation*
Describe an event you attended at UConn that was focused on LGBTQIA+ identities and the impact that experience had on you.
Essay 3: Academic Engagement*
Describe how you will address issues of concern for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, and/or allied communities in your academic coursework.
Essay 4: Financial Impact*
Please describe the financial impact this scholarship would have on your education.
Additional Information Essay
If you have any additional information, feel free to include it in the space below. Please do not use this space to continue any of the previous essays.
I consent to the use of photographic images of me, should I be a recipient of a Berdon Scholarship award, to be used by the Rainbow Center.*
- Yes
- No
Berdon Scholar Expectations*
Berdon Scholars are expected, at minimum, to: (1) Attend the Rainbow Center's Lavender Graduation ceremony in April 2027; and (2) Write letters of thanks to the Berdon family upon receipt of the award and upon graduation from the University of Connecticut. By signing your name below and clicking submit, you agree to these expectations if you are selected as recipient of this scholarship.