Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated was founded on January 13, 1913 by 22 collegiate women at Howard University. These students wanted to use their collective strength to promote academic excellence and to provide assistance to those in need. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated is an organization of college educated women committed to the constructive development of its members and to public service with a primary focus on the Black community. Since its founding more than 200,000 women have joined the organization. The organization is a sisterhood of predominantly Black, college educated women. The sorority currently has 1,000 collegiate and alumnae chapters located in the United States, England, Japan (Tokyo and Okinawa), Germany, the Virgin Islands, Bermuda, the Bahamas, Jamaica and the Republic of Korea.
The Martinsville Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated was established in November of 1951. We serve the Martinsville and Henry County communities with various activities that support the organizations five programmatic thrusts: Educational Development, Economic Development, International Awareness and Involvement, Physical and Mental Health, and Political Awareness and Involvement.
Each year the Martinsville Alumnae Chapter awards three $1000 scholarships to the local high schools to a qualifying high school senior who will attend a 4-year institution (1 senior at Bassett High School, 1 at Magna Vista High School, and 1 at Martinsville High School).
Scholarship Criteria:
- Local High School seniors graduating from Bassett High School, Magna Vista High School or Martinsville High School with plans to attend an accredited 4-year college or university.
- In addition, the graduating senior must be a resident of Martinsville and Henry County, Virginia.
- Male and Female students are eligible for this scholarship.
- Children of active members of the Martinsville Alumnae Chapter are not eligible for this scholarship. However, extended family and friends of Chapter members are eligible for this scholarship.