Tyler Clementi Scholarship to Help LBGT Students in College

The largest provider of scholarships to lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgendered students in the nation has created a scholarship in the name of , the organization Point Foundation announced on Wednesday.

The scholarship, according to a release, was created with the cooperation of Clementi's parents Joe and Jane Clementi, who spoke of the bullying their son is alleged to have received while a freshman at Rutgers University.

"Our son Tyler was a kind and gentle young man who enjoyed helping people,” the parents said.

“This scholarship will help college students and it will raise awareness of young people who are subject to abuse through malicious bullying - and so it will help people in Tyler's memory. We are happy to be supportive of Point Foundation and we thank them for establishing this scholarship.”

Prosecutors allege Clementi was frequently bullied and harassed by two Rutgers dormmates before tragically in September of 2010. Clementi's death spurred legislative action on bullying and prompted considerable international discussion of suicide, homophobia, cyber crimes and its impact on the LGBT community.

The two implicated in the alleged bullying–Molly Wei and Dharun Ravi– and are awaiting trial.

Clementi was recently honored , where he was a gifted violinist. The has also honored Clementi in recent concerts.

The Point Foundation scholarship covers tuition, books, supplies, room and board, transportation and living expenses, and is set up with the individual’s college, according to the release. It's the largest provider of LBGT scholarships in the country, providing over $5.3 million to 160 scholars since 2000.

Additionally, a support network is set up for the selected scholar but a high level of academic performance must be maintained to retain the scholarship. Scholars are expected to "give back" to the LGBT community through community service projects. 

“While it’s a privilege to memorialize the life of Tyler Clementi, it’s unfortunate that it takes tragedies like this to bring to light what many in the LGBT community and our straight allies have known for a long time – that intolerance and violence inflicted upon our youth is rampant,” Jorge Valencia, Point’s Executive Director & CEO said in the release.

He added, "This scholarship is our way of keeping Tyler’s life at the forefront of this ongoing struggle for acceptance."

Those wishing to donate to the scholarship can do so by calling 1-866-33POINT (76468) or at www.pointfoundation.org