The Springfield Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is now accepting scholarship applications from African American women residing in the Greater Springfield and Pioneer Valley areas who plan to pursue academic study. The successful applicant must meet the following criteria:

• Be a senior in high school
• Provide proof of admission to a four-year institution of higher learning
• Have a minimum high school GPA of 3.0 (B average) or higher
• Submit one official copy of their high school transcript, with the official GPA*
• Submit two letters of recommendation (one from a teacher)
• Fully complete the application and essay.
• Demonstrate community service involvement and leadership experience.
• Provide a Color Headshot with this application. The picture will only be used if you are selected for the Scholarship Award for promotional purposes only. All others will be returned to you.
• Interview with Scholarship Committee.

We will begin accepting applications on December 1, 2026, and early submission is strongly encouraged. All applications are due by March 1. Qualified applicants will be required to participate in an interview with the Scholarship Committee of the Springfield Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. during the week of April 10, 2026.

Begin your application as soon as possible. Starting early gives you extra time to gather all required materials, particularly your high school transcript and two letters of recommendation. Transcripts—whether physical or electronic—can take several days or even weeks to process, and your recommenders will need adequate time to write a thoughtful letter on your behalf.

Applications and required documents submitted after the above deadlines will not be accepted.

For further information, please get in touch with Mrs. Dorrine D. Sneed at Dorrinesneed@gmail.com

1. Start your Application ASAP.  Starting early gives you extra time to gather all required materials, especially if you need to request transcripts or secure two letters of recommendation. Transcripts—whether physical or electronic—can take several days or even weeks to process. And your recommenders will need adequate time to write a thoughtful letter on your behalf, since they are fitting it into their own schedules.
2. Complete the Application in full!  Be sure to answer every question, especially those about your community service and leadership experience. These sections allow you to highlight who you are as an individual. For community service, include the specific number of hours you’ve completed. For leadership, list all the leadership roles you have held.
3. Field of Study.  We want to understand your future professional goals. How do you plan to use this degree after you graduate?
4. Answer Questions Clearly! Don’t leave your reader guessing? State why you deserve to win the scholarship and give honest reasons to support it. Explain how the scholarship will assist you in your educational journey.
5. Your Essay!  Share your essay with your English teacher or another trusted person to get honest feedback. Read the article attached to the application for additional perspective. Be yourself—write as if you’re speaking to a friend. Authenticity is key to a strong essay. Pay close attention to grammar, and make sure you address all parts of the prompt. Feel free to draw from your family and community experiences as you write.
6. Submission of Application and Attachments. Double-check that you’ve included all documents required. Use the Scholarship Announcement sheet as your checklist! Physically check off each requirement in your packet before submitting!
7. Head Shot! Please take a headshot of yourself that is flattering to you. We will display your photograph in the 2026 Scholarship Journal if you are selected for the
   Scholarship!
8. If you have any questions regarding the application process, please, please, please, contact Dorrine Sneed. But not on the night before applications are due!
9. Your success is our success!
10. Starting early gives you the advantage!

The Essay format should be typed and include ALL of the following!

1. Your personal point of view.
2. Focus on Women's Voting issues. {How it impacts you, your family, and the community.}
3. Written as a narrative that describes your thoughts, perspectives, and experiences 
4. 500 minimum, 1000 words maximum. Typed, double-spaced, 12-point font. 
5. Read the article before writing your Essay. It takes 10 minutes!

Supporting Document for Historical Information and an overview can be found by following the link below. 

https://www.teenvogue.com/story/when-women-got-right-to-vote-united-states

This is an amazing article from Teen Vogue about the right to vote movement for women, including Black Women. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION!

1.  Please find a Voter Registration information form attached. Please fill it out if you are 16 years of age or older. Even if you register to vote at 16 years old, you will not be eligible to vote until you turn 18 years old!
2. Why register to vote if you are not eligible to vote until 18? It is your right as an American to exercise that right to register!
3. Your vote at 18 may directly address Student Loan Forgiveness, Reproductive
   Rights, Access to Affordable Housing and Education, as well as other areas of
   government.

* Electronic signatures are accepted*

By signing this Scholarship Application form, you are giving your permission for the Springfield Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta sorority to use your information to determine your eligibility to receive a financial award. Only the pictures of Students granted the Award will be used for the Promotion of the Scholarship Award.

With my signature, I indicate that all of the aforementioned information is true and honestly reported and that any scholarship received as a result of my application will be used to offset the cost associated with higher education.

Members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Daughters are not eligible for this Scholarship! If Your Mother, Stepmother, adopted Mother, adopted Parent, League Guardian, is a Delta, you are not eligible for this  Scholarship.