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DEI Scholarships
Accessibility and Inclusion Initiatives
In 2021 AASECT’s Board of Directors acknowledged the inequity in our organization that has taken place over the years for sexuality professionals of color. Originating with past president Dr. Chris Fariello, past DEI Committee Chair Dr. Juan Camarena, and the DEI committee, an equitable action plan was initiated. With the full support of two subsequent AASECT Boards, we are now able to provide over $50,000 in awards, increasing accessibility and inclusion of sexuality education professionals in our organization. The decision to begin this initiative with sexuality educators is intentional. Over the years there have been fewer structural opportunities and support for this group within our organization. There is a clear need to repair these historical gaps within the organization. With the support of Dr. Juan Camarena as our Treasurer, the Board is pleased to announce that we have the financial fortitude and stability within the organization to begin these repairs, by way of these scholarships now.
Each Accessibility and Inclusion Initiative will have its own criteria in order to support different types of educators in our community. The selection process will be as follows: applicants state how they meet the criteria, the application will be screened for eligibility, scholarships will be awarded to eligible applicants via random selection. Eligible applicants can apply for multiple initiatives.
The following initiatives have been approved in the following amounts.
Sexuality Educator AASECT Membership Renewal Fee Scholarships
15 scholarships of $220 each will be awarded. Application period begins on 2/10/2025 and closes on 2/24/2025.
Sexuality Educator Certification Education Scholarships
5 scholarships of $5,000 each will be awarded. Application period begins on 2/10/2025 and closes on 2/24/2025.
Microgrants for Community Sex Educators
10 microgrants of $500 each will be awarded. Application period opens on 2/17/2025 and closes on 3/3/2025.
Sexuality Educator Certification Application Fee & 1 Year of AASECT Membership
5 scholarships of $500 each and 1 year of AASECT Membership ($220) will be awarded. Application period opens on 2/17/2025 and closes on 3/3/2025.
Sexuality Educator Certification Supervision Scholarships
5 scholarships of $2,500 will be awarded. Application period opens on 2/24/2025 and closes on 3/10/2025.
Sexuality Educator AASECT Membership Fee Scholarships
There will be fifteen scholarships of annual membership fees for sexuality educators.
Criteria for scholarship selection:
- Professional Experience: The candidate should have a demonstrated commitment to the field of sexuality. Examples can be working, volunteering, or participating in sexuality education or training.
- Be an underrepresented* sexuality educator within AASECT:
- have an income under $70,000, AND
- be BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, Person of Color),
- OR identify as having a disability,
- OR identify as non-cisgender (gender diverse),
- OR be 24 years of age or younger.
*These identities are the most underrepresented in AASECT according to multiple demographic surveys and we understand applicants may identify with more than one eligible identity.
Selection Process:
- Verification: All applications will be reviewed to ensure that candidates meet the eligibility requirements and have completed the necessary form.
- Random Drawing: From the pool of qualified candidates, fifteen winners will be randomly selected. This process ensures an equal opportunity for all qualified applicants.
- Notification: The selected scholarship recipients will be notified by email or phone. They will be required to confirm their acceptance of the scholarship within a specified timeframe.
It is important to note that the selection process for these scholarships will be conducted in accordance with all applicable U.S. laws and regulations.
The application period begins on February 10, 2025 and ends on February 24, 2025. The recipients will be selected at random and will be notified by email from info@aasect.org.
Sexuality Educator Certification Education Scholarships
There will be five scholarships of $5000 available to apply toward tuition expenses of sexuality educators.
Criteria for scholarship selection:
- Certification Pursuit: The candidate must identify themselves as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, Person of Color) and express a commitment to getting certified as a sexuality educator in AASECT.
- Educational Pursuit: The candidate must be actively pursuing a degree in the field of sexuality education, reproductive health, sexual health counseling, or a related discipline. They should provide proof of enrollment, acceptance, or registration in an accredited University academic program.*
- Financial Need: The candidate should have an income of less than $70,000.
*the scholarship may be applied to a degree granting program, but not continuing education trainings.
Selection Process:
- Verification: All applications will be reviewed to ensure that candidates meet the eligibility requirements and have provided the necessary documentation.
- Random Drawing: From the pool of qualified candidates, five winners will be randomly selected. This process ensures an equal opportunity for all qualified applicants.
- Notification: The selected scholarship recipients will be notified by email or phone. They will be required to confirm their acceptance of the scholarship within a specified timeframe.
- Documentation: Scholarship winners will need to provide documentation of their program acceptance/enrollment, including the program's name.
- Disbursement: The scholarship funds will be disbursed directly to the recipient's chosen certification program or institution to cover the expenses associated with the certification. Unfortunately, funds cannot be provided directly to applicants.
It is important to note that the selection process for these scholarships will be conducted in accordance with all applicable U.S. laws and regulations.
The application period begins on February 10, 2025 and ends on February 24, 2025. The recipients will be selected at random and will be notified by email from info@aasect.org.
Microgrants for Community Sex Educators
AASECT recognizes that starting or sustaining a business in sexuality education can take many resources. We would like to welcome applicants for ten microgrants of $500 that are to support the creation, maintenance, or expansion of a sexuality education business.
Each applicant can enter once and must describe how they meet the following criteria:
- Professional Experience in Sexuality Education.
- Self-identification as a Black, Indigenous, or person of color (BIPOC).
- Business Ownership: Ownership of a registered business related to sexuality or sexual health (or proof of application for a business license).
- Community Impact:
- Actively engages with community members (or has specific plans to do so) to promote the sexual wellness of marginalized communities.
- Efforts to advocate for diversity, inclusivity, and/or liberation within the field of sexuality.
The application period begins on February 17, 2025 and ends on March 3, 2025. The recipients will be selected at random and will be notified by email from info@aasect.org.
Sexuality Educator Certification Application Fee & 1 Year of AASECT Membership
There will be ten scholarships covering the costs of the sexuality educator certification application fee and one year of AASECT membership fee.
Criteria for scholarship selection:
- Professional Experience: The candidate should have a demonstrated commitment to the field of sexuality. Examples can be working, volunteering, or participating in sexuality education training.
- Be an underrepresented* sexuality educator within AASECT:
- have an income under $70,000, OR
- be BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, Person of Color),
- OR identify as having a disability,
- OR identify as non-cisgender (gender diverse),
- OR be 24 years of age or younger.
- Meet the qualifications necessary to become a certified sexuality educator by January of 2026.
*These identities are the most underrepresented in AASECT according to multiple demographic surveys.
Selection Process:
- Verification: All applications will be reviewed to ensure that candidates meet the eligibility requirements and have completed the necessary documentation.
- This scholarship will be available on a first-come first-served basis and terminate once funds are exhausted.
- Notification: The selected scholarship recipients will be notified by email or phone. They will be required to confirm their acceptance of the scholarship within a specified timeframe.
It is important to note that the selection process for these scholarships will be conducted in accordance with all applicable U.S. laws and regulations.
The application period begins on February 17, 2025 and ends on March 3, 2025. The recipients will be selected at random and will be notified by email from info@aasect.org.
Sexuality Educator Certification Supervision Scholarships
There will be five scholarships of $2500 available toward supervision expenses of sexuality educators.
Criteria for scholarship selection:
- Certification Pursuit: The candidate must identify themselves as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, Person of Color) and express a commitment to getting certified as a sexuality educator in AASECT.
- Supervision pursuit: The candidate must be currently in supervision with an AASECT approved supervisor OR upon selection, provide documentation that an approved supervisor is willing to supervise the candidate.
- Professional Experience: The candidate should have a demonstrated commitment to the field of sexuality and becoming a certified sex educator.
- Financial Need: The candidate should have an income of less than $70,000.
Selection Process:
- Verification: All applications will be reviewed to ensure that candidates meet the eligibility requirements and have provided the necessary documentation.
- Random Drawing: From the pool of qualified candidates, five winners will be randomly selected. This process ensures an equal opportunity for all qualified applicants.
- Notification: The selected scholarship recipients will be notified by email or phone. They will be required to confirm their acceptance of the scholarship within a specified timeframe.
- Documentation: Scholarship winners will need to provide documentation of their supervision status and that the supervisor will accept payment directly from AASECT.
- Disbursement: The scholarship funds will be disbursed directly to the recipient's chosen supervisor. Unfortunately, funds cannot be provided directly to candidates.
It is important to note that the selection process for these scholarships will be conducted in accordance with all applicable U.S. laws and regulations.
The application period begins on February 24, 2025 and ends on March 10, 2025. The recipients will be selected at random and will be notified by email from info@aasect.org.