Scholarship Application Form

Ron Thornton Education Scholarship Application - College and Graduate Students

Please fill out the application then click on Submit Application at the bottom
The Sigma-Zeta Council of Southern California was established in 2007 to foster unity among the Southern California Chapters of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. The Sigma-Zeta Council of Southern California supports academic, educational, philanthropic, and leadership development projects and programs and commits itself to making a difference on collegiate campuses and in the community.

College Students:

This scholarship offers $1,000 to a current college student. An eligible applicant must be a college freshman, sophomore, or junior during the 2026-2027 academic year and hold a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher.

Graduate Students:

This scholarship offers $500 to a current graduate student. A graduate student is a student studying for a higher degree than the one received after four years of study at a college or university. An eligible applicant must attend graduate school during the 2026-2027 academic year and hold a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher.

To apply for this scholarship, you must complete this application form, which includes responding to the essay question and submitting an unofficial transcript and two letters of recommendation. Official transcripts will be requested if selected to move forward through the process. The application deadline of November 21, 2026, by 11:59pm. Once your application is received, you will be required to complete a photo release form. Contact the Sigma Zeta Council Scholarship Committee at SoCalSZCScholarship@gmail.com should you have any questions.
Eligibility Requirements for College Students:
- College Freshman, Sophomore, or Junior
- Minimum GPA 3.0 or higher
- Academic Year: 2026-2027
Eligibility Requirements for Graduate Students:
- Post-Graduate of a four-year university or college
- Minimum GPA 3.0 or higher
  Academic Year: 2026-2027
Important Notice:
All scholarship recipients are expected to attend the Sigma Zeta Council Joint Founders Day Celebration on Saturday, January 16, 2027 (Tentative). This event provides an opportunity to celebrate your achievement and meet donors and community leaders.
Personal Information
Name:

First NameMiddle NameLast Name
Mailing Address:

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
E-mail Address:
example@example.com
Phone Number:
Format: (000) 000-0000.
Which scholarship are you applying for?
School Information
University or College currently attending
University or College
Anticipated Graduation Date

MonthDayYear
2 digit month, 2 digit day, 4 digit yearDate
Cumulative GPA
Grade Point Average
Are you a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. or Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.? If so, which one? Which chapter?
Organization
Are you a member of another Divine Nine organization? If yes, which one? Which chapter?
Organization
First Recommender

Upload letter of recommendation below.
Name

First NameLast Name
Email
example@example.com
Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
Second Recommender

Upload letter of recommendation below.
Name

First NameLast Name
Email
example@example.com
Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
Upload Letters of Recommendation

Two (2) current letters of recommendation, written within the last 12 months.
Cancelof
Unofficial Transcripts

Cancelof
Additional Information
Describe your extra-curricular activities, including participation in sports, community activities, and organizations and list any leadership positions held?
What is your major and what are your career aspirations?
How will receiving this scholarship benefit you?
Essay Question
Essay Question - How have your personal background, experiences, or values shaped your academic journey and how will this scholarship support your future aspirations Your response must be a minimum of 500 words, double-spaced.
Signatures
Student Signature
Student Signature Date

MonthDayYear
2 digit month, 2 digit day, 4 digit yearDate
Should be Empty:

Ron Thornton Education Scholarship Application - College and Graduate Students