Scholarships for Arizona Residents
Since our founding in 1913, Delta Sigma Theta has promoted academic excellence and the importance of education. Likewise, Tempe Alumnae started its scholarship program when we were chartered in 1973 with our "bookships" that helped local high school students cover the costs of books and supplies. Thanks to the generous support of donors and the success of our fundraisers, the program has grown to provide more than $150,000 to support Arizona students as they pursue their educational goals.
Awards Available
The scholarship awards range from $1500 to $3000:
- The Dr. Josephine M. Pete Scholarship
- A community service-focused scholarship for an Arizona high school senior of African descent and/or African-American/Black Heritage with a "B" average.
- The Rosemary M. James and Family Scholarship
- A scholarship for an Arizona female high school senior of African descent and/or African-American/Black Heritage who demonstrates financial need to attend college.
- The Sandra L. Caldwell Excellence in Scholarship Awards
- A scholarship for Arizona high school seniors of African descent and/or African-American/Black Heritage that exemplify exceptional commitment to education, community service and leadership.
- The Arnette Scott Ward Excellence in Scholarship Award
- A scholarship for current Arizona residents of African descent and/or African-American/Black Heritage at a 2-year junior college that exemplifies exceptional commitment to education, community service and leadership.
- The Eula Riley Bursh Excellence in Scholarship Award
- A scholarship for current Arizona residents of African descent and/or African-American/Black Heritage at a 4 year college or university that exemplify exceptional commitment to education, community service and leadership.
How and When to Apply
Thank you to all applicants for your interest in our scholarship program. The 2024-2025 scholarship application period is open from December 1, 2024 - February 28, 2025. Only completed applications submitted within the designated timeframe will be considered and invited to interview as part of Phase Two.
For questions, please contact us by email at scholarships@dsttempe.org.
Youth Programs
Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy
Dr. Jeanne L. Noble Delta G.E.M.S.
Dr. Jeanne L. Noble Delta G.E.M.S.
Middle School Program for Girls Ages 11-14
In 1996, the Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy was created to academically support our young African-American middle school girls and to expose them to worlds beyond their imagination. Our Delta Academy programs place particular emphasis on ensuring that our young girls are ready and prepared to be leaders in the ever-changing world of the 21st Century, through science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics (STEAM).
Dr. Jeanne L. Noble Delta G.E.M.S.
Dr. Jeanne L. Noble Delta G.E.M.S.
Dr. Jeanne L. Noble Delta G.E.M.S.
High School Program for Girls Ages 14-18
Since its inception in 2004, the Delta GEMS Institute was designed to provide a vehicle of change for young African-American high school ladies to enhance their abilities and increase their self-worth, in order to achieve academic and excellence. As we strive for the GEMS to "discover their brilliance," the program enriches young women's academic success and help develop compassionate, caring, and community-minded individuals. With a focus on STEM, the program engages young women in the discovery of career options, college preparation, and learning about our rich culture and heritage.
Empowering Our Young Ladies
We know that many of today's young women find themselves in environments that may not fully support their personal and academic development. They may feel ignored or left behind at school, at home, or in their community at the very point in their lives when they are most in need of attention, support, and encouragement. Delta Sigma Theta's youth programs are designed to create an additional support system for parents and their daughters. As Delta women, we aim to share our resources and energies with the young queens in our community to develop new purposes, new skills, and new leaders.
This year's program will be held in-person and will include an array of educational, cultural and community services experiences around Arizona.
For questions, please contact us by email at youthprograms@dsttempe.org
Enrollment Process
Both of our youth programs run from October to April. Applications are accepted online in August/September with the parent and participant orientation held in October.
Not located in the East Valley? Please contact one of our sister chapters for the location most convenient for you:
Arizona West Valley Alumnae (Peoria)
Phoenix Metropolitan Alumnae (Phoenix)
Tucson Alumnae (Tucson & Sierra Vista)
Service Learning Experience: Mats for the Homeless
D Squared Homes for the Homeless is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization committed to filling the gaps between infrastructure and community resources. They work within the community to help the seriously mentally ill (SMI) and/or those experiencing homelessness find temporary relief when traditional services fail to meet their needs.
Each year, our youth program participants have a service learning activity to develop a spirit of service. This year the young ladies volunteered with D Squared for the Homeless. The project started with a plastic bag drive that took place between Christmas and the Martin Luther King holiday. Thanks to our members and our supportive community, we collected over 10,000 bags!
From there, the young ladies came together to cut, fold, and twist the plastic into plarn which was then weaved on a loom to become a sleeping mat. Not only does this provide insulation and warmth for the unhoused, but also keeps plastic bags out of our environment.
Click the button below to learn more about D Squared for the Homeless and please support this amazing work they do for so many in need.