How Employee Resource Groups Can Support LGBTQ+ and Ally Students

At Point Foundation, we help LGBTQ+ and ally students achieve their educational dreams and unlock their full leadership potential. One way we achieve this is by partnering with corporate Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). 
 
ERGs are volunteer, employee-led groups within companies that focus on shared identities, interests, or experiences. These groups often lead initiatives to create equality in their organizations and communities. At Point, we collaborate with our corporate partners and their ERGs to provide meaningful ways for employees to give back. 

Start partnering with Point! 

Here are some ways your work group can volunteer with Point Foundation: 

Learn With Your Team 

Point Foundation also partners with corporate ERGs to host Lunch & Learn sessions. These events educate employees about Point’s mission and work while fostering a sense of community and purpose within your team. By sharing the impact of Point’s initiatives, Lunch & Learns can inspire further engagement and support for LGBTQ+ and ally students. 

Share Career Opportunities 

Support LGBTQ+ and ally college students by sharing internship and early career opportunities at your organization. Point can help you host virtual info sessions to connect students with your company’s programs. These sessions are an excellent way to expand your talent pipeline while supporting the career development of LGBTQ+ and ally students. 

Volunteer to Read Applications 

Every year, Point Foundation receives thousands of scholarship applications from students across the country. In the most recent application cycle, we received over 4,000 applications – double the amount of the previous year. Reviewing and evaluating these applications is a critical task, and we rely on the support of dedicated volunteers to make it possible. 

ERGs from 10 of Point's partner companies, including TIAA, Apollo Global Management, and Morgan Stanley, supported Point by providing volunteer readers this last review cycle.  

Volunteers’ efforts are essential in determining which students will advance in the scholarship process. By participating, ERG members directly contribute to the success of LGBTQ+ and ally students nationwide. 

 Share Your Experience 

Another impactful way to engage with Point is by organizing Ask the Experts sessions that bring together professionals from various industries to discuss career pathways and offer advice to students. Partnering on these panels demonstrates your company’s commitment to supporting the next generation of leaders. 

Recent Ask the Expert panel topics include: 

• Should I be a lawyer?  

• Should I be a consultant? 

• What’s it like working at Synchrony? 

Host Point Scholars 

Career Exposure Days provide a unique opportunity for Point Scholars to meet LGBTQ+ and ally professionals and explore potential career paths.  

In October 2024, ten Point Scholars attended a Discovery Days event in Chicago, hosted by CBRE and CNA, including speed networking with CBRE’s ERG members, mock interviews at CNA, workshops on career pathways within the commercial real estate industry, and a memorable architecture boat tour showcasing Chicago’s iconic skyline. 
 
Scholars left the event inspired and better informed about how their skills and degrees could be applied in various industries. Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with one scholar stating, “I had such a great time getting to know the other Point scholars and Chicago itself. In addition to that, being properly exposed to both these companies opened my mind to where else my degree could apply. I'm excited to look into these opportunities more upon graduating!” 

Your ERG can host similar events, providing invaluable career insights and experiences for LGBTQ+ and ally students – find out more by emailing our Director of Corporate & Foundation Relations at jane@pointfoundation.org.  

Point Scholars attending a Career Discovery Day at Victoria’s Secret in April of 2024. 

Get Involved Today 

Whether through application reading, career events, or educational sessions, your ERG can make a significant difference in the lives of LGBTQ+ and ally students. By partnering with Point Foundation, your group will not only contribute to a better future but also inspire and empower employees to support meaningful causes. 

Ready to get started? Reach out to Point Foundation’s Director of Corporate & Foundation Relations Jane Miller Rennert at jane@pointfoundation.org to learn more about how your ERG can get involved.