2026 Joyce Elliott Outreach Scholarship Application

Joyce Elliott Outreach Scholarship Application

Application Deadline - February 1, 2026
The Arkansas Democratic Black Caucus established a scholarship in order to increase the number of qualified, yet underrepresented, minority college students entering the field of public service. For her 30 years of dedication as an educator and 22 years as a legislator, the scholarship was named after former state senator Joyce Elliott in 2025.

The Arkansas Democratic Black Caucus (ADBC) will award one (1) scholarship for $1000 to currently enrolled full-time student at Arkansas Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
ELIGIBILITY: Applicants must be a currently enrolled student attending one of the following participating Arkansas Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs): Arkansas Baptist College, Philander Smith College, Shorter College or the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff; an Arkansas resident who has a minimum 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale; and has completed a total of 24 credit hours towards an undergraduate degree. The anticipated degree must be in a subject that will lead to a career in public service. The ideal candidate is a student with a demonstrated interest in working in public service. Additionally, the candidate will demonstrate financial need. Democratic Party of Arkansas (DPA) officers, ADBC officers, and their immediate family members are not eligible.

AMOUNT: The ADBC will award one $1000 scholarship

QUESTIONS: Please email your questions to info@arkdemocraticblackcaucus.org
I. Personal Data:

Tell us about yourself
Full Name*

First NameLast Name
Birthdate:*

MonthDayYear
Mobile No. :*

Area CodePhone Number
E-mail :*
Where the confirmation will be send to
Home Address :*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip CodeCountry
Gender:*

MaleFemaleNon-binaryTransgenderPrefer not to answer
What is your citizenship?*

U.S. CitizenPermanent Resident AlienOther
Are you an Arkansas resident?*

YesNo
Are you a registered voter?*

YesNo
If answered yes, what county?
Ethnic Origin:*

HispanicNon-HispanicNot Indicated
Race? (Choose one or more):*

African American or BlackAmerican Indian or Alaskan Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific IslanderAsianWhite
What Arkansas College or University are you currently enrolled?*

Arkansas Baptist CollegePhilander Smith CollegeShorter CollegeUniversity of Arkansas Pine Bluff
Major Area of Study:*
Please indicate what is your major are of study
Status at the time of application:*

FreshmanSophomoreJuniorSenior
If selected, will you be able to attend the King Kennedy Awards on February 17, 2024?*

YesNoNot sure
In 150 words or less give us a short bio that includes your college, class year, major, 2-3 organizations you are affiliated with, and any academic or service accomplishments you have made.

0/150
II. Uploads

Transcripts and photo
Upload the most current unofficial transcript *

Browse Files

Cancelof
Upload a recent photo headshot suitable for publication. (not seen by judges)*

Browse Files

Cancelof
II. Essay

Select any two (2) of four (4) essay questions below. Each essay should be 300-500 words. Be sure to begin your essay by restating the question.
QUESTION 1: To what extent do systemic economic disparities such as student loan debt and wage gaps affect the political engagement and policy priorities of young African Americans?

QUESTION 2: How do voter suppression tactics and restrictive voting laws affect young African American adults, and how can they overcome them?

QUESTION 3: What are the ways in which education and outreach programs can increase youth turnout, and how can this impact future elections?

QUESTION 4: How do race, class, and socioeconomic status intersect with reproductive rights, and what challenges do women of different backgrounds face when accessing reproductive healthcare?
Essay #1:*

0/500
Essay #2:*

0/500
III. Applicant's E-Signature
By signing (typing your legal name) in the space below, you are certifying that all information is correct and that you are the person completing this application. When you press the submit button, you will receive an email confirmation that your application was received. Please print for your records and retain as verification of your application.
E-Signature:*
Should be Empty:

Joyce Elliott Outreach Scholarship Application

I. Personal Data:

II. Uploads

II. Essay

III. Applicant's E-Signature