2026 SMCAC MERIT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM APPLICATION

SMCAC MERIT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM APPLICATION

Intelligence is the Torch of Wisdom
National Organization: Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated

Local Chapter: South Middlesex County Alumnae Chapter
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.

South Middlesex County Alumnae Chapter (SMCAC), a local chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, is accepting applications for its 2026 Merit Scholarship Program. To continue promoting scholastic achievement and community service, SMCAC awards three 1-year scholarships, totaling $4,500, to three deserving Black high school seniors entering accredited institutions of higher education. The scholarships recognize academic excellence and community service.

Merit Scholarship Program
The scholarships and candidate criteria are as follows:

1. The Minerva Award - in the amount of $2,000, paid in two installments, is awarded to a Black female high school senior. The candidate must have been accepted into an accredited institution of higher education (2 or 4 years) and have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

2. The Torch Award - in the amount of $1,500, paid in two installments, is awarded to a Black male or female high school senior. The candidate must have been accepted into an accredited institution of higher education (2 or 4 years) and have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

3. The Fortitude Award – in the amount of $1,000, paid in two installments, is awarded to a Black male or female high school senior. The candidate must have been accepted into an accredited institution of higher education (2 or 4 years) and have a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.8 on a 4.0 scale.

Candidates must live, or attend school, in Ashland, Framingham, Holliston, Hopkinton, Marlborough, Natick, Sherborn, Sudbury, Wayland or the City of Worcester.

Please note: Award recipients are selected on the basis of community service involvement and academic achievement, not financial need.

2026 Key Dates to Remember
2026 Key Dates to Remember

February 20, 2026..........................Application Deadline
March 2026...........................Interviews*
April 2026..................................Award recipients will be notified
May 2026..............................Scholarship Celebration Event

*Interviews will be held during the month of March. Candidates must make themselves available for interviews. The interview is a mandatory part of the selection process; failure to participate in an interview will result in an incomplete application. If you may have a conflict in the month of March, please let us know by February 20th, 2026 by sending an email to smcacscholarships@gmail.com.

For more information about:
- the Scholarship Program, email smcacscholarships@gmail.com;
- our local chapter, visit www.smcacdeltas.org; and
- our national organization, go to www.deltasigmatheta.org.

Helpful Tips for Applying for the Scholarship and Interviewing
The following information may be helpful to you when completing your application and interviewing. Save it and refer back to it. We wish you the very best.
- Read the application thoroughly. Make sure you have the qualifications to apply (i.e. where you live/attend school, GPA, community service, etc.).
- Complete all sections, following the instructions and answering the questions. If asked for 3 letters of recommendation, do not send 4. Do not submit information regarding financial status or need.
- An official transcript must be submitted. The transcript must have an official school seal. Ensure that the transcript includes first semester senior grades.
- Send an e-mail to smcacscholarships@gmail.com well in advance of the application deadline if you have questions or problems completing the application.
- Have someone read your essay, checking for correct grammar and spelling.
- Make sure all items that require a signature are signed.
- Manage your time and make sure the application is submitted on time.
- If selected for an interview, review the “Tips, Etiquette and Ethics” information, below.
- “Tips, Etiquette and Ethics”
  - Remain positive and “put your best foot forward.”
  - Learn something about the organization that is offering the scholarship. Be prepared to ask one or two questions during an interview.
  - Login on time for the interview. You will be admitted to the interview when the team is ready.
  - Dress for Success: The interview is a business meeting. Dress appropriately. Be well-groomed and wear clean, well-pressed clothing. Avoid ill-fitting or revealing clothing.
  - Be courteous to everyone you meet.
  - We value honesty and integrity. Everything you say must be true. Do not shade the truth.
  - Relax and give the appearance of self-confidence and energy when you first enter the room/appear onscreen. Smile, be yourself. The interview team will be looking forward to meeting you!
  - Be positive, keep your responses positive. Focus. Be present. Do not yawn, fidget, or act like you have to be somewhere else.
  - Be prepared, be genuine. Before answering a question, take time to pause and plan an adequate response to the question.
  - End on a professional note. Take a moment to say “thank you” and “good-bye” to the interviewers.
Adapted from Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Denver Alumnae Chapter Scholarship Guidelines and Interviewing Tips.

2026 SMCAC MERIT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM APPLICATION
APPLICATION CHECKLIST
1. Please submit this application with ALL sections completed including the essay and uploaded documents through the Jotform platform no later than 11:59pm on February 20, 2026. The application must be signed where indicated with an electronic, signature. Do not submit documents with typed signatures created using a cursive font.; and

2. Three (3) signed letters of recommendation must be uploaded to this application no later than 11:59pm on February 20, 2026. Each letter must include the name, phone number, and email address of the recommender. At least two letters must come from your high school teacher, counselor, or other school administrator.

3. You must upload an original, official high school transcript with a school seal that includes your first semester senior grades no later than 11:59pm on February 20, 2026. Copies of your transcript are not acceptable. Also, the school must include an explanation of your GPA if your GPA is not determined on a 4.0 scaling system.

4. Ensure application is complete and fully signed before submitting. The application must be signed where indicated with electronic signatures. Incomplete or unsigned applications or applications containing typed signatures (e.g. using a cursive font) will not be accepted. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

5. Review the "Helpful Tips for Applying for the Scholarship and Interviewing" information before submitting your application.
PART I: PERSONAL DATA
Full Name*

First NameLast Name
Date of Birth*

MonthDayYear
Date
Age*
Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Home Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.
Cell Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.
Applicant's Email Address*
example@example.com
Parent's Name (if applicant is under 18 years old)

First NameLast Name
Parent's Email (if applicant is under 18 years old)
example@example.com
Name of High School Attending *
Expected Graduation Date*

MonthDayYear
Date

PART II: COMMUNITY SERVICE ACTIVITIES
Please describe community service activities in which you have been involved. Do not include information regarding activities for which you were paid (e.g. jobs).

Please note: We have provided space for a maximum of 4 activities.
Organization #1
Organization #2
Organization #3
Organization #4

PART III: HONORS AND AWARDS
Please list any honors or awards that you have received.

PART IV: COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES
Please list the colleges and universities to which you have applied, your intended field(s) of study and the status of your application. Please indicate status as Accepted, Not Accepted, Applied, Waitlisted or Withdrawn.
College #1*
College #2
College #3
College #4
College #5
College #6
College #7
College #8
College #9
College #10

PART V: SHORT ESSAY
Below are two essay questions. Please type an essay of at least 300, and no more than 500, words that addresses one of the following questions:
1. If you could go back and witness one moment in history, which moment would you choose and why? Would you change anything about that moment? If so, how?
  
  OR
2. You have been given an unlimited budget to solve a problem or issue facing society. What problem or issue would you choose and why? How would you proceed to address this issue or problem?
Please ensure that your essay responds to one of the questions presented and answer ALL parts of the question.
Please type your essay here. *

0/500

PART VI: HIGH SCHOOL TRANSCRIPT
Please upload an official high school transcript file with school seal that includes your first semester senior grades no later than 11:59pm on February 20, 2026. Please note: the school must include an explanation of your GPA as a note if your GPA is not determined on a 4.0 scaling system.*

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PART VII: LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION
Please upload three (3) signed letters of recommendation to this application no later than 11:59pm on February 20, 2026. Each letter must include the name, phone number, and email address of the recommender. At least two letters must come from your high school teacher, counselor, or other school administrator. *

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ALTERNATE CONTACT INFORMATION

(If we are unable to reach the Applicant for any reason, we will contact this individual)
Name*

First NameLast Name
Relationship*
Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Homme Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.
Cell Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.
Email Address*
example@example.com

WAIVER AND RELEASE; PHOTOGRAPH AND VIDEO AUTHORIZATION AND RELEASE
I/We on behalf of blanks (“Applicant”) and Applicant’s family and assigns, do hereby release, waive, discharge, covenant not to sue and agree to hold harmless Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated (“Delta”), its officers, National Executive Board, employees, members, local chapters (including, without limitation, South Middlesex County Alumnae Chapter (“SMCAC”), representatives, agents, affiliates, and assigns (collectively “Releasees”), from any and all claims, demands, and actions of any and every kind directly or indirectly arising out of, or relating in any respect to Applicant’s participation in the SMCAC Scholarship Program (“Program”). My/our waiver and release of all claims, demands, actions and liability shall include without limitation, any injury, illness, death, property damage or loss which may be caused by any act, or failure to act, by the Releasees, unless such injury, illness, death, property damage or loss is a direct result of the willful misconduct of any Releasee.

I give permission for Delta and SMCAC to publish or share information about Applicant’s participation in the Program, including, without limitation, the fact that Applicant is the recipient of a scholarship, on the Internet or media or otherwise still photographs or moving images, including, if applicable, any sound recordings accompanying the images (“Images”) taken in connection with the Program, without payment or any consideration and without notifying me/us.

I understand and agree that this information and these Images will become the property of Delta and SMCAC which will have complete ownership of the information and Images. I hereby irrevocably authorize Delta and SMCAC to publish or distribute the information and Images for the purpose of publicizing Delta’s and/or SMCAC’s programs, including the Scholarship Program, or for any other lawful purpose. In addition, I waive any right to inspect or approve the finished product wherein my/my child’s likeness appears. Additionally, I waive any rights to royalties or other compensation arising out of or related to the use of the information or images.
Signature of Applicant*

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Date*

MonthDayYear
Date
Signature of Parent/Guardian #1 (If applicant is under 18 years old)

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Date

MonthDayYear
Date
Signature of Parent/Guardian #2 (If applicant is under 18 years old)

Powered by Jotform SignClear
Date

MonthDayYear
Date

REVIEW APPLICATION CHECKLIST
1. Please submit this application with ALL sections completed including the essay through the Jotform platform no later than 11:59pm on February 20, 2026. The Application must be signed where indicated with an electronic, signature. Do not submit documents with typed signatures created using a cursive font.; and

2. Three (3) signed letters of recommendation must be uploaded to this application no later than 11:59pm on February 20, 2026. At least two letters must come from your high school teacher, counselor, or other school administrator.

3. Your school must mail an original, official high school transcript that includes your first semester senior grades so that it is postmarked no later than February 20, 2026. Copies of your transcript are not acceptable. Also, the school must include an explanation of your GPA as a note if your GPA is not determined on a 4.0 scaling system.

4. Review the next page for helpful information on applying for the scholarship and completing the interview process.

5. Ensure application is complete before submitting. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
I have completed this application truthfully and to the best of my knowledge. I understand that falsification of any of the information contained herein may result in the loss of consideration for the scholarship.
Applicant Signature*

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Date*

MonthDayYear
Date
Parent or Guardian signature (if Applicant is under 18 years old)

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SMCAC MERIT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM APPLICATION

Merit Scholarship Program

2026 Key Dates to Remember

Helpful Tips for Applying for the Scholarship and Interviewing

2026 SMCAC MERIT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM APPLICATION

APPLICATION CHECKLIST

PART I: PERSONAL DATA

PART II: COMMUNITY SERVICE ACTIVITIES

PART III: HONORS AND AWARDS

PART IV: COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

Please list the colleges and universities to which you have applied, your intended field(s) of study and the status of your application. Please indicate status as Accepted, Not Accepted, Applied, Waitlisted or Withdrawn.

PART V: SHORT ESSAY

PART VI: HIGH SCHOOL TRANSCRIPT

PART VII: LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

ALTERNATE CONTACT INFORMATION

WAIVER AND RELEASE; PHOTOGRAPH AND VIDEO AUTHORIZATION AND RELEASE

REVIEW APPLICATION CHECKLIST

I have completed this application truthfully and to the best of my knowledge. I understand that falsification of any of the information contained herein may result in the loss of consideration for the scholarship.