Educational Scholarships
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 over $100,000 to Arizona students in pursuit of higher education.
We now offer two scholarship categories in honor of two of our chapter charter members:
- The Sandra L. Caldwell Excellence in Scholarship Award is for high school seniors that exemplify exceptional commitment to education, community service and personal character. There is a $3000 and $1500 award in this category.
- The Arnette Scott Ward Excellence in Scholarship Award is for current undergraduate students at a 2-year or 4-year college/university that exemplify exceptional commitment to education, community service and personal character. There is a $3000 and $1500 award in this category.
Minimum Eligibilty Requirements*
- Applicants must be a current Arizona resident.
- Applicants must be African-American/Black heritage and/or of African descent.
- Applicants must possess a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 standard scale.
- Applicants must submit all the application materials for Phase One of the application process no later than February 28, 2019.
*Members and children of members of the Tempe Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated are not eligible to apply.
How To Apply
Our scholarship application period is open annually from January 1 to February 28.
You can find the application instructions and required document files below that you must download. You will need Adobe Acrobat, as well as Microsoft Word and PowerPoint to access the files. You must submit PHASE ONE of your application by February 28, 2019.
If all the materials are received for PHASE ONE by February 28, 2019, you will be invited to PHASE TWO of the process where you will provide your most recent academic transcript and participate in an interview.
Questions about the application process should be sent to scholarship@dsttempe.com.
Youth Programs
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 the very point in their lives when they are most in need of attention, support, and encouragement. Our youth programs are designed to create an additional support system for parents and their children. It is an exciting and innovative way for Delta women to use their resources and energies to develop new purposes, new skills, and new leaders from our program participants.
The programs are free and sessions are held on the third Saturday of each month from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Some sessions are field trips and may have an extended time schuedule. Applications are accepted annually from August 1 to September 1 or until capacity is reached. We have reached full capacity in both programs for the 2018-2019 year. The application period for 2019-2020 will open on August 1, 2019.
Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy
Middle School Program for Girls Ages 11-14
In 1996, the Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy was created out of an urgent sense that bold action was needed to save our young girls (ages 11-14) from the perils of academic failure, low self-esteem, and crippled futures.The program focuses on social and emotional development, physiological transitioning and exposure to global ideas and learning opportunities in alignment with the program theme, "Transformation of Me: Knowing Me, Developing Me, Preparing Me."
Anchored in the basic tenants of the sorority, which are sisterhood, scholarship, and service, the program offers mentoring, interactive educational activities, and service learning opportunities. Educational activities are focused on STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) concepts to develop life skills and explore future career options. Delta Acadmy also features a book club, black history essay contest, public speaking, and field trips.
Dr. Jeanne L. Noble Delta G.E.M.S.
High School Program for Girls Ages 14-18
Delta G.E.M.S. (Growing and Empowering Myself Successfully) was created in 2004 to expand our youth development programming to high school girls. As we strive for the GEMS to "discover their brillance," the program has four specific goals:
- to instill the need to excel academically;
- to provide tools that enable girls to sharpen and enhance their skills to achieve high levels of academic success;
- to assist girls in proper goal setting and planning for their futures in high school and beyond;
- to create compassionate, caring, and community-minded young women by actively involving them in service learning and community service opportunities.
With a focus on STEM, the program exposes participants to an array of career options, offers college preparation, and connects students to their culture and heritage.