The New York Yankees, New York City Schools Chancellor David C. Banks and The Stonewall Inn have announced that applications are open for 2022 Yankees-Stonewall Scholarships. Now in its fourth year, these $10,000 college scholarships celebrate the achievements of New York City public school graduating seniors who have demonstrated strong academic achievement and impactful support of the LGBTQ+ community. All New York City public school seniors are eligible to apply at www.schools.nyc.gov/lgbtq. Applications will close on April 15, and one student from each borough will be selected.

“The Yankees are excited to continue on the path of our meaningful partnership with New York City Schools and The Stonewall Inn to provide financial assistance to young LGBTQ+ leaders through the Yankees-Stonewall Scholarship Initiative,” said Yankees Senior Vice President and General Manager Brian Cashman.“ In the first three years of the program, we have been able to provide resources to a truly inspiring group of graduates as they pursue their educational goals and dreams for the future. Our support of this program also reflects our deep respect for the LGBTQ+ community and the legacy of tolerance and inclusivity that it has fought for. We celebrate the continued advancement of those ideals and look forward to participating in the selection of the Yankees-Stonewall Class of 2022.”

“I’m thrilled to partner with the New York Yankees and so proud to continue the powerful work we’ve done with The Stonewall Inn in support of our amazing LGBTQ+ seniors,” said Schools Chancellor David C. Banks. “This initiative uplifts our graduating LGBTQ+ seniors as future leaders, and I am deeply confident that the bright, inclusive future they shape for us will be a home run.”

“It is our fourth year of partnering with the Yankees on this scholarship program and it’s incredible to see the impact it has had on the students who have received the scholarship,” said Stacy Lentz, CEO of The Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative and Co-owner of The Stonewall Inn. “We are excited to keep partnering to make sure LGBTQ+ students are able to thrive and succeed. This annual scholarship demonstrates the Yankees’ commitment to supporting the LGBTQ+ community by giving funds and bringing awareness to creating future change-makers.”

“Thanks to the Yankees, LGBTQ+ students will be getting the funds they need to be able to make an impact and make a difference as future leaders of our community,” added Kurt Kelly, Owner of The Stonewall Inn and Co-founder The Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative. “We are honored to be able to partner with them every year to make sure the next generation of LGBTQ+ students have access to education.”

Created in 2018 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Inn uprising and celebrate the achievements of New York City public school students, the Yankees-Stonewall Scholars initiative named its first class of recipients in the spring of 2019. The most recent scholarships were awarded in June 2021, with five students each receiving a $10,000 college scholarship. The recipients were Viviana “V” Sakura Benzan of the Bronx (they/them), Christine Cabusay of Staten Island, (she/her/hers), Ryan Heesemann of Queens (he/him/his), Skye Mayo of Manhattan (she/her/hers) and Daniil Tagaev of Brooklyn (he/him/his).

The New York City Department of Education, in partnership with the Yankees and The Stonewall Inn, will review all applications and announce the five recipients in the spring. Those selected for the honor will be celebrated at a game at Yankee Stadium during the 2022 season.