Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Southwest Dallas County Alumnae Chapter
2015 Beacon of Knowledge Scholarship Application
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Profile
Twenty-two visionary females at Howard University founded the Sorority in 1913. These young women wanted to use their collective strength to promote academic excellence; provide scholarships; provide support to the underserved; educate and stimulate participation in the establishment of positive public policy; and highlight issues and provide solutions for problems in their communities.
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is a private, non-profit organization whose purpose is to provide assistance and support through established programs in local communities throughout the world. A sisterhood of more than 250,000 predominately Black college educated women, the Sorority currently has over 900 chapters located in the United States, England, Japan (Tokyo and Okinawa), Germany, the Virgin Islands, Bermuda, the Bahamas and the Republic of Korea.
The major programs of the sorority are based upon the organization's Five Point Thrust of:
Ø Economic Development
Ø Educational Development
Ø International Awareness and Involvement
Ø Physical and Mental Health
Ø Political Awareness and Involvement
Scholarship Guidelines
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Southwest Dallas County Alumnae Chapter (SWDCA) will award “three” one-time scholarships in the amount of $1,000, $750 and $500 to graduating high school senior males residing in and/or attending school in the Southwest Dallas County communities of Cedar Hill, Desoto, Duncanville, Lancaster or Wilmer-Hutchins; and/or is currently participating in SWDCA Youth Initiative Programs; and/or is a relative of a financial SWDCA chapter member.
Scholarship Eligibility Requirements
1) Be an African American male and a high school graduating senior:
a. Residing in Cedar Hill, Desoto, Duncanville, Lancaster or Wilmer-Hutchins or
b. Attending school in the communities of Cedar Hill, Desoto, Duncanville, Lancaster or Wilmer-Hutchins or
c. Is currently participating in SWDCA Youth Initiative Programs or
d. Is a relative of a financial SWDCA chapter member
2) Must have a minimum GPA of 2.75 (based on 4.0 scale) on the transcript submitted at the time of application. Transcript must come from the school’s guidance counselor or other school authority and must be sealed
3) Submit two (2) letters of recommendation on official letterhead (letters may be from a school official, church or community leader)
4) Submit a recent photograph (photo will not be returned)
5) Write a 500 word essay as outlined on the application
6) Submit a completed application postmarked no later than March 13, 2015
7) Provide proof of enrollment as a full-time student at an accredited College or University before the scholarship is distributed
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Southwest Dallas County Alumnae Chapter
2015 Beacon of Knowledge Scholarship Application
PERSONAL INFORMATION:
Name of Applicant: ______
Street Address: ______
City, State, Zip Code: ______
Best Contact Number: ______
Email Address: ______
Date of Birth: ______
EDUCATION:
Name of High School: ______
City, State, Zip Code: ______
G.P.A. (based on 4.0 scale): ______
FAMILY INFORMATION:
Mother/Legal Guardian Name: ______
Address (if different from above): ______
City, State, Zip Code: ______
Contact Number: ______
Father/Legal Guardian Name: ______
Address (if different from above): ______
City, State, Zip Code: ______
Contact Number: ______
Applicant is: (Check all that apply)
___A high school graduating senior residing in and/or attending school in Cedar Hill, Desoto, Duncanville, Lancaster or Wilmer-Hutchins
___Currently participating in SWDCA Youth Initiative Programs
List: ______
___A relative of a financial SWDCA chapter member
List: ______
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Southwest Dallas County Alumnae Chapter
2015 Beacon of Knowledge Scholarship Application
PLEASE ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS
1. How did you hear about this scholarship opportunity? ______
2. List all scholarships and/or financial aid for which you have applied and indicate if you have been awarded any funds ______
3. List your community service activities and approximate time of your involvement ______
4. List extra-curricular school activities (i.e. athletics, organizations, and associations) (please do not abbreviate) ______
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Southwest Dallas County Alumnae Chapter
2015 Beacon of Knowledge Scholarship Application
PLEASE ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS
5. List academic awards and honors ______
6. List colleges/universities to which you have applied or intend to apply. Indicate the one(s) to which you have been accepted ______
7. Please state your career plans ______
8. Do you have a job? If so, please state where you work and the approximate number of hours you work each week ______
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Southwest Dallas County Alumnae Chapter
2015 Beacon of Knowledge Scholarship Application
Essay Instructions
Submit a double spaced, typed essay consisting of approximately 500 words on one of the following:
1. On Forbes’s annual list of the “The World’s Most Powerful People” are leaders in politics, religion, business and entertainment. If you could be on the list, what category would you aspire to be in: politics, religion, business or entertainment, and why? How would you use your influence to make a difference in your community?
2. What is your opinion of African-American males wearing sagging pants and using the “N” word? Do you believe it is example of self-expression and freedom of speech? Why or why not? Discuss in detail.
3. Describe the solution(s) you would propose to improve or resolve a current issue, such as gun violence, health care, the economy, or racial discrimination.
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Southwest Dallas County Alumnae Chapter
2015 Beacon of Knowledge Scholarship Application
Certification
YOUR SIGNATURE IS REQUIRED BELOW. WITHOUT YOUR SIGNATURE, YOUR APPLICATION IS INCOMPLETE AND WILL NOT BE PROCESSED.
I certify that the information in this application is true, complete and accurate, and that all statements and essays are my own work. Furthermore, I acknowledge that a scholarship awarded, may be denied or revoked if any information contained herein is found to be inaccurate. Should I receive a scholarship award, I hereby give permission to Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Southwest Dallas County Alumnae Chapter to utilize my name, photo, and scholarship award in any publicity or marketing materials.
Name of Applicant: ______
______
Signature of Applicant Date
______
Signature of Parent/Legal Guardian Date
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Southwest Dallas County Alumnae Chapter
2015 Beacon of Knowledge Scholarship Application
Please make sure all items are included before mailing:
v Completed application
v 2 letters of recommendation on official letterhead
v Current sealed official transcript through Fall 2014
v Recent Photograph
v Essay
Your application will be scored accordingly:
v Recommendations 5%
v Essay 35%
v Public Service 25%
v Interview 35% (if selected for further consideration)
Mail completed and signed application package to:
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Southwest Dallas County Alumnae Chapter
Attention: Scholarship Committee
P. O. Box 1632
Desoto, TX 75123
Completed applications must be postmarked by March 13, 2015
Applicant must be available for an interview in April 2015
(If selected, you will be notified of exact date)
Incomplete applications or applications received after the deadline will not be considered. All applicants will be notified of their application status via mail, email or phone call.
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