ARIYA Rites of Passage & Scholarship Program
Saint Louis Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
DIGITAL APPLICATIONS ONLY
PAPER APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED
ABOUT ARIYA RITES OF PASSAGE
The Ariya Rites of Passage Program is sponsored by the Saint Louis Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. The program is in session generally for 5-6 months with monthly meetings between November and April. It will comprise both virtual and in-person meetings. The program schedule will be provided to the participants and their parents/guardians after acceptance into the program. The program consists of two phases:
Phase 1: Pathway Trainings & Community Building
Pathway Training Sessions: Interactive learning experiences led by community leaders that build self-esteem, celebrate cultural heritage, emphasize higher education, encourage community involvement, and explore topics of special interest.
Community Learning Activities: Bonding experiences and service projects that foster a village mindset, strengthen community connections, and teach the importance of giving back to the people and places around us.
Phase 2: Rites of Passage Ceremony (ARIYA Celebration)
The program's culminating event is a grand public ceremony where the participants are formally introduced to the community and signifies their transition as a young woman ready for the next phase of her life.
PURPOSE
To provide character development and leadership training for young African-American women
To encourage them to pursue post secondary education after high school graduation
To empower them to take ownership of their futures by providing an opportunity for them to generate scholarship funds for their post-secondary education.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Must be a female high school senior with a minimum GPA of 2.5 (4.0 scale).
Must submit an official school transcript.
Two (2) letters of recommendation from: a) high school teacher or principal and b) non-family member adult
Submit an essay introducing yourself, explaining your future aspirations, and how you would benefit from participating in the Ariya Rites of Passage program
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
There is a non-refundable participation fee of $200 payable
after
acceptance into the program.
All qualifying applicants will be contacted for a virtual interview. Interviews will take place during November 9- November 11, 2026.
CONTACT INFO
Please direct any questions or comments to the Ariya Committee at
dst.sla.ariya@gmail.com
IMPORTANT
APPLICATION DEADLINE: November 6, 2026
PARTICIPATION FEE DEADLINE: November 30, 2026
(for accepted participants only)
Please complete all sections of the attached application, including the essay, letters of recommendation, and an electronic copy of a current transcript.
Back
Next
Save
APPLICANT'S INFORMATION
NAME
First Name
Middle Initial
Last Name
ADDRESS
Street Address
Street Address Line 2
City
State / Province
Postal / Zip Code
DOB (MM/DD/YYYY)
-
Month
-
Day
Year
2 digit month, 2 digit day, 4 digit year
Date
EMAIL ADDRESS
example@example.com
Preferred Phone Type
Home
Cell
TELEPHONE
Format: (000) 000-0000.
SCHOOL NAME AND ADDRESS
GPA
NAME OF PARENT(S) OR LEGAL GUARDIAN(S)
First Name
Last Name
PARENT'S PREFFERED PHONE TYPE
Home
Cell
PARENT/GUARDIAN'S TELEPHONE
Format: (000) 000-0000.
ADDITIONAL PARENT's PHONE NUMBER
Please enter a valid phone number.
Format: (000) 000-0000.
ADDITIONAL PHONE TYPE
Work
Other
PARENT OR GUARDIAN'S EMAIL ADDRESS
example@example.com
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES (INCLUDES SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT). PLEASE INCLUDE ROLES
HONORS AND AWARDS
POST-GRADUATE INSTITUTION (IF KNOWN)
INTENDED MAJOR
INSTITUTION TYPE
2-Yr. (Comm. College)
4-Yr (College/Univ.)
KEY SCHOOL DATES (ANTICIPATED)
Please provide the dates for the following events:
Spring Break Begins:
-
Month
-
Day
Year
2 digit month, 2 digit day, 4 digit year
Date
Spring Break Ends:
-
Month
-
Day
Year
2 digit month, 2 digit day, 4 digit year
Date
Prom:
-
Month
-
Day
Year
2 digit month, 2 digit day, 4 digit year
Date
Graduation:
-
Month
-
Day
Year
2 digit month, 2 digit day, 4 digit year
Date
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Please upload your typed essay of 250 words or less introducing yourself, explaining your future aspirations, and how you would benefit from participating in the Ariya Rites of Passage program, Two (2) letters of recommendation and High School Transcript.
Please Upload Essay
Browse Files
Drag and drop files here
Choose a file
Cancel
of
Please Upload Transcript
Browse Files
Drag and drop files here
Choose a file
Cancel
of
Please Upload two (2) Letters or Recommendation
Browse Files
Drag and drop files here
Choose a file
Cancel
of
APPLICANT'S SIGNATURE
DATE
-
Month
-
Day
Year
2 digit month, 2 digit day, 4 digit year
Date
PARENT OR GUARDIAN'S SIGNATURE
DATE
-
Month
-
Day
Year
2 digit month, 2 digit day, 4 digit year
Date
CHECKLIST
Instructions: Please ensure all sections of this application are fully completed and all required supporting documents are uploaded before submitting. Incomplete applications will not be processed.
Completed application including all required signatures.
Typed Essay
2 Letters of Recommendation
High School Transcript
Preview PDF
Save
Submit
Should be Empty: