Dear Applicant,

The Mid-Hudson Valley Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is pleased to announce  the availability of scholarships for female graduating seniors for the academic year 2023-2024.The application can be completed electronically and submitted on our website at www.mhvadst.org. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is a nonprofit organization of college-educated women committed to the  constructive development of its members and to public service with primary service in the black  community. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. has more than 1000 chapters in the United States and  several foreign countries. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. was founded on January 13, 1913, by 22  collegiate women of Howard University. These students wanted to use their collective strength to  promote excellence and to aid those in need. The focus of the sorority’s activities is  in the following areas: Educational Development, Economic Development, Physical and Mental Health,  Political Awareness and Involvement, and International Awareness and Involvement.

The Mid-Hudson Valley Alumnae Chapter was chartered on June 27,1970. Since that time, it has  supported many community agencies and a wide range of community action projects in the Mid-Hudson Valley area. These projects focus on such target groups such as senior citizens, youth, and families. 

Scholarships are awarded annually to female graduating seniors that are college-bound who reside in  the Mid-Hudson Valley area, specifically Ulster, Orange, Dutchess or Putnam counties. The  scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, community service and school  involvement. The minimum requirement to apply for scholarship, the student must have an overall  grade point average of 85%.The submissions will also be judged based on response to the  essay topic, overall literacy, and grammatical accuracy. Essays should not  exceed 500 words in length and printed or typed.  Completed applications should be submitted electronically on our website at www.mhvadst.org by March 29,2024.

Thank you in advance for your interest in our scholarship program. Best wishes in your future educational endeavors. 

Sincerely.
 
Stefanie L Barrett, Scholarship Committee Chairperson                            
Dr. Lynnette Williams, Chapter President

Enclosure

1.     What are the requirements to apply for the scholarship ?
The applicant must be a college-bound African-American/African-Caribbean/African or Latina female student or participant in a Delta Program (Delta Academy, Delta Gems, Jabberwork Cotillion Debutante) with a cumulative grade point average of at least 85% or higher to qualify for the scholarship; and live in one of the four counties: Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, or Ulster.
 
2.     What is the minimum GPA requirement to apply for scholarship?
The minimum requirement to apply for scholarship, the student must have an overall grade point average of 85%.

3.     When is the application due?
The application and all supporting documents MUST BE uploaded by 11:59 P.M. EST on March 29, 2024.

4.     What supporting documents must be included in the application package?

• One letter of recommendation from a teacher, counselor or community leader;
• Official transcript (must have official school stamp);
• Essay (Submit a 500 Words or less essay from one of the writing prompts below):

(1) Please tell us how this quote affects you as a young Black woman growing up during the Black Lives Matter Movement: “It is a dangerous time to be a black woman in America. It’s a time when we are not safe in the streets or at home or at school or at work and nobody seems to be able to do anything about it. Nobody. Not us. Not our mommas. Not the police. Not the people we elected to look out for our interests. Nobody. We’re just out here.” ~Pearl Cleage
 
(2) What do you consider to be the single most important societal problem? Why?
 
(3) Describe an experience or a set of circumstances that has a significant impact on your life. The  experience may be one in which you were challenged and overcame an obstacle or one in which you learned the most.

5.     Who should write my letter of recommendation?

The letter of recommendation should be written by a teacher/guidance counselor or community leader that can speak to your academic and/or community involvement.

6.     What are some examples of honors or awards that will meet the criteria for the application?

Academic honors include national honor society, subject awards  ( i.e. science awards or math awards), recognitions for academic achievement. Other awards that will meet the criteria are community service awards or athletic awards (student-athlete awards, leadership awards)
 
7.     Why is Financial Information Requested?
The committee will use this information in deciding scholarship amount. Please make sure all information is accurate. The committee reserves the right to verify information submitted in the application. An applicant may be disqualified if any information in the application is not factual.
 
8.     When should I expect to be notified about scholarship award?
The notification of awards will occur the week of May 15th and notification of awards will be sent to high school personnel.
 
9.     What are some tips to be a competitive candidate for the scholarship award?
Please ensure that you have completely answered all application questions and have uploaded all of the required documents. Have a teacher or parent review your application before submitting. Proof-read your essay or have a teacher or parent to review application to ensure it is grammatically correct. Please do not use slang in your essay.  Use additional sheets to include additional awards or honors if the section is not large enough to include all activities and recognition. Make sure the email address that is provided is the one that the applicant checks regularly. All notifications will be sent electronically by email.

You will be assessed on your ability to communicate your thoughts in 500 words or less. Please select one of the topics below:

TOPICS:   

Please choose one of the three essay topics. (Word Limit 500 words)
 
(1) Please tell us how this quote affects you as a young Black woman growing up during the Black Lives Matter Movement: “It is a dangerous time to be a black woman in America. It’s a time when we are not safe in the streets or at home or at school or at work and nobody seems to be able to do anything about it. Nobody. Not us. Not our mommas. Not the police. Not the people we elected to look out for our interests. Nobody. We’re just out here.” ~Pearl Cleage
 
(2) What do you consider to be the single most important societal problem? Why?
 
(3) Describe an experience or a set of circumstances that has a significant impact on your life. The  experience may be one in which you were challenged and overcame an obstacle or one in which you learned the most.

I certify that the information provided in this application is true, complete, and accurate and that all statements and essays are my own work.  A scholarship award from the Mid-Hudson Valley (NY) Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. may be denied or revoked if any information contained herein is found to be untrue. Should I receive an award, I hereby give permission to Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and Mid-Hudson Valley (NY) Alumnae Chapter to utilize my name and award amount in any publicity or marketing materials.