Gay teens across the country continue to face personal and academic challenges unlike those faced by their straight classmates. In addition to challenges at school, many face rejection by their families and the community at large as well as religious persecution. Even violence is not uncommon. Statistics show gay teens are more likely to abuse substances, drop out of school, run away from home, be involved in prostitution and attempt suicide.

The Dillenkoffer Endowment's mission is to:

• recognize and reward gay teens who are able to succeed in the face of personal and academic challenges;
  
  
• help them achieve even greater success through higher education; and
  
  
• provide them with the tools to be role models to others as they become young adults.

The Dillenkoffer Endowment was formed as a Missouri nonprofit corporation in 2006. The Internal Revenue Service has determined that the Endowment is a tax exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, and that all contributions are tax deductible by donors.