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The Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and DREF
The Delta Sigma Theta Sorority is a sisterhood for African American college students around the world. There are more than 1,000 chapters in the United States, Japan, England, Germany, Jamaica, Bermuda, the Bahamas, the Virgin Islands and the Republic of Korea. Since the sorority was founded in 1913, more than 200,000 women have joined the organization.
The Delta Research and Educational Foundation (DREF) provides some of the funding for Delta Sigma Theta scholarship programs. It is a charity founded by the sorority to encourage educational developments and research initiatives. DREF also supports efforts at local Delta chapters, as well as community enrichment programs worldwide. Every dollar goes toward an effort that upholds the spirit and purpose of DST.
Oleta Lawanda Crain Scholarship
The Oleta Lawanda Crain Scholarship is valued at $2,000. It is given to a female high school senior who plans to enroll in a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) after graduating from high school. Three applicants in total are selected each year: one from Missouri, one from Oklahoma and one from Colorado. Applicants must have at least a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale, and they must play an active role in their community or high school leadership. The application for this Delta Sigma Theta Scholarship requires two letters of recommendation, as well as an official copy of the student’s high school transcript.
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Check for scholarshipsMentoring Keys Scholarship
The Mentoring Keys Scholarship is not technically a Delta Sigma Theta scholarship, but it is funded by DREF and KeyBank Foundation. This award is $5,000, and it is reserved for African American college students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business. Male and female applicants are welcome, and applicants must be turned in during the student’s sophomore year of college. Applicants must have a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale, and they must live in a KeyBank service area (see Target Population here for a full list of locations).
The winner of the Mentoring Keys Scholarship gets to work with an advisory panel to improve their academic success and personal development. The advisory committee is available during the student’s junior and senior years, and they provide valuable insight for career-minded undergrads. Check out the online application form to learn more.
Eula Dean Roby Scholarship
The Eula Dean Roby Scholarship is available for education majors who have at least a 3.0 GPA. The award is available for graduating high school seniors and current college students. The award amounts vary by year. This application requires two letters of recommendation, one from an academic officer and one from a community leader.
Special Scholarships from Delta Sigma Theta
There are a number of additional scholarships available each year through Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. For instance, last year there were six specialty scholarship programs for graduate students: the Myra Davis Hemmings Scholarship, the Julia Bumry Jones Scholarship, the Sadie T. M. Alexander Scholarship, the Juliette Derricotte Scholarship, the Bertha Pitts Campbell Scholarship, and the Vashni Turley Murphy Scholarship. Moreover, these awards come available through private donations from sorority members, founders, and former/current officers.
If you are a member of DST, talk to your chapter leaders about other scholarship opportunities available to you. There may be opportunities specifically for your chapter or new one-time awards like the ones mentioned above.
Stephanie Tubbs Jones Summer Internship
In addition to the Delta Sigma Theta scholarship programs, the DREF offers a coveted internship program for African American women who want to work in public service. The internship lasts for nine weeks, and it gives the interns a chance to work with the U.S. Congress. The interns attend professional development courses and work on projects to improve their leadership skills and policy making decisions. The internship includes a $3,000 stipend, as well as room and board. Many interns are also able to earn college credit for their summer efforts, depending on their school and major of study.
If you are interested in the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Summer Internship, you may apply online with your resume and four short essays.
Vivian A. Ware Research Fellowship
The DREF provides a one-year research opportunity for graduate students working on issues related to African American women. The Vivian A. Ware Fellowship is available in honor of Gold Life DST member Vivian Ware who passed away in 1994. There have only been three fellowship winners since 1998, making this an extremely specialized award opportunity. The fellowship includes a stipend to allow the winner to focus on research and development full-time.
