A recent internal survey has unveiled a troubling mental health crisis among LGBTQ+ college students in California. Conducted by the National Rainbow College Fund, the survey revealed high levels of anxiety, depression, and basic-needs insecurity among scholarship recipients. This alarming data has prompted the fund to establish a new Student Advisory Council aimed at amplifying the voices of these students and addressing their challenges.
The survey, which included responses from 98 scholarship recipients, highlighted some distressing statistics. According to the findings, 79% of students reported experiencing anxiety in the past year, while 63% indicated symptoms of depression. Financial insecurity was a significant concern, with nearly two-thirds of respondents citing challenges in this area. Additionally, 43% reported experiencing food insecurity, and about 25% shared that they had contemplated suicide within the last year. Furthermore, approximately 30% of students indicated struggles with eating disorders.
The fund’s decision to create the Student Advisory Council came as a direct response to these findings. This five-member council, composed of scholarship recipients from various campuses across California, aims to provide a platform for students to share their experiences and advocate for necessary changes on campus.
Students have expressed how even minor financial assistance can significantly impact their ability to continue their education. One recipient noted that the scholarship enabled them to secure stable housing with roommates and afford nutritious food. Another student described participation in the advisory council as a “great step forward” in finally being heard within their academic community. Many students directly linked the strain of unmet basic needs to a decline in mental health, emphasizing that resilience cannot compensate for an empty refrigerator.
The National Rainbow College Fund, supported by the San Diego Foundation, awards $2,500 to each scholar. The fund is working to raise $500,000 this year to expand both scholarships and comprehensive support services. Privacy for applicants, particularly those who may not be openly out, is a crucial priority for the organization.
These individual narratives are situated within a broader context of financial hardship affecting college students statewide. A study from the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research indicated that roughly half of California college students face food insecurity, which is linked to deteriorating mental health and lower rates of academic persistence. This context underscores the need for more than just financial aid; students and advocates argue that structural changes are essential to ensure they remain enrolled and well.
The current political climate also influences students’ decisions regarding their education and living situations. Felicia Tisnado-Nykaza shared with the Times of San Diego that moving to another state could mean sacrificing vital protections, including access to gender-affirming care and safe restroom facilities for transgender individuals. This complex decision-making process adds further emotional and financial pressure to students already navigating a challenging landscape.
In response to the urgent needs identified in the survey, program leaders at the National Rainbow College Fund have outlined plans for the new Student Advisory Council. This council will play a pivotal role in determining how scholarships integrate with campus mental health services and basic-needs support. Applications for the next scholarship round will open on January 15, 2026, and close on March 5, 2026. The application process ensures that privacy is maintained for all applicants, particularly those who are not publicly out.
Officials at the San Diego Foundation emphasize that the advisory council and the enhanced fundraising initiatives aim to pair immediate financial assistance with stronger partnerships within campuses and communities. This strategic approach recognizes that scholarships alone cannot remedy the larger structural issues students are facing. By advocating for better mental health and basic-needs programs, the council aims to ensure that financial aid is used effectively to support students’ holistic well-being and academic success.
