Scholarships and more advanced programming are in store for sexual minorities at Kent State.

Today, Harry Jackson of Akron will present a grant of $20,000 to the university designed to benefit lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students.

Brenda McKenzie, interim director of the Center for Student Involvement, said Jackson’s already given $5,000, and today’s presentation will really get the endowment started.

“From what I can tell, (Jackson) really seems to be committed to students,” she said. “It’s the first time that we’re aware of that there’s been anything like this at the Kent campus for the LGBT community.”

A committee, including PRIDE!Kent President Leora Rzepka, a representative from CSI and others, will begin meeting to decide how the money will be spent.

Rzepka said she has a few ways she’d like to see the money spent, but most specifically, she’d like to see scholarships specific to LGBT students and allies.

“I think it’s a really terrific opportunity for LGBT students and the campus,” she said. “I am beyond excited to participate in negotiations.”

Jackson will be presenting the grant at 11:30 a.m. in the executive offices.

Contact minority affairs reporter Christina Stavale at [email protected].