2026 Nola Holt Royster Scholarship Application

Nola Holt Royster Scholarship Application

Northwest Arkansas Area Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Application materials must be submitted by 11:59PM Central Time (CT) on March 15, 2026.
Welcome to the 2026 Scholarship Application Process for the Northwest Arkansas Area Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

To qualify for the Nola Holt Royster Scholarship, applicants must fulfill all of the following requirements:
- Be an African-American female residing in Washington or Benton County.
- Be a high school senior planning to attend a post-secondary institution for Fall 2026 school year.
- Submit an application and essay to the scholarship committee.
- Complete an application along with an essay (minimum of 750 words).
- Provide the most recent official high school transcript.
- Have a minimum GPA of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale.
- Provide a professional headshot photo (2x3 inches, similar to a license or passport size)
- Submit two letters of recommendation on official letterhead, both of which must be signed (from a non-family member). At least one letter should highlight your involvement in community service. The recommendations should be from the following two sources:
  - A school official (such as a teacher, high school counselor or advisor), and
  - A community member (such as a church member, minister, or leader from a community organization).
Note: Children of members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. are ineligible to apply for this scholarship.

Applications and supporting materials must be submitted no later than 11:59pm Central Time (CT) Sunday, March 15, 2026. Incomplete applications or submissions after the deadline will not be considered.

The final selection of scholarship recipients will be based upon cumulative grade point average, school/community involvement, recommendations, and essay. All recipients of this award will be notified by Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

If you have any questions, please contact LaNelle Owens at scholarship@nwadst.org.

Thank you for your participation.

Best regards,

LaNelle Owens
Chair, Scholarship and Awards Committee
Northwest Arkansas Area Alumnae Chapter
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Tanya Cook
President
Northwest Arkansas Area Alumnae Chapter
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

I. PERSONAL INFORMATION
Student's Full / Legal Name*

First NameLast Name
Current Mailing Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip CodeCountry
Student Phone Number*

Area CodePhone Number
Student E-mail*
Parent/Guardian Full Name*

First NameLast Name
Parent/Guardian Mailing Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Parent/Guardian Phone Number*

Area CodePhone Number

II. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
Cumulative High School GPA*
ACT Score or SAT Score (both are not required)
Graduation Date *

MonthDayYear
Date
High School Name*
School Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Upload Official Transcript*

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III. Anticipated College or University

Schools to which you are applying
Institution #1 (Name, City & State)*
Institution #2 (Name, City & State)
Institution #3 (Name, City & State)
Major Course of Study*
Expected Graduation Date *

IV. REFERENCES & RECOMMENDATION LETTERS

Submit two letters of recommendation on official letterhead, both of which must be signed (from a non-family member). At least one letter should highlight your involvement in community service. The recommendations should be from the following two sources:A school official (such as a teacher, high school counselor or advisor), andA community member (such as a church member, minister, or leader from a community organization).
Reference #1 for Letter of Recommendation *

First NameLast Name
Reference #1 Phone Number *

Area CodePhone Number
Submit Reference #1 Letter of Recommendation*

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Reference #2 for Letter of Recommendation *

First NameLast Name
Reference #2 Phone Number *

Area CodePhone Number
Submit Reference #2 Letter of Recommendation*

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Upload a professional headshot photo (2x3 inches, similar to a license or passport size)*

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File must be a .jpg, .jpeg or .png Cancelof
V. SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
List extracurricular activities- organizations, clubs, etc. Indicate years of involvement and any offices held. *
Please provide a brief description of your community service activities. Indicate years of involvement, number of hours per year and any leadership positions held.*

VI. ESSAY

You will be evaluated on your ability to articulate your ideas clearly, concisely, and coherently without the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Your essay should be typed, double-spaced, in 12-point Times New Roman font, and consist of a minimum of 750 words on the topic provided below.
Culture, Career & Community – Designing a Life of Service

Dr. Nola Hoyt Royster dedicated her career to helping students
discover their paths and succeed in education and in life. She used her professional work to support young people and uplift her community. Be clear about your goals and give concrete ideas, not just general statements.
In your essay, imagine your future career— whether you see yourself as an engineer, artist, teacher, health professional, entrepreneur, tradesperson, lawyer, or another profession.
- How has your culture, identity, or lived experience as an African-
  American student in Northwest Arkansas shaped your goals and your
  vision for your future?
- In your chosen field, how will you intentionally use your role to uplift
  African-American communities and educate others about your culture
  and history?
- Describe at least one specific program, mentorship effort, or
  community initiative you would like to create through your future career.
- How does this vision reflect Dr. Royster’s philosophy: “Do What You
  Can, Where You Can, While You Can, When You Can”?
Please upload your essay here.*

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VII. SIGNATURE AND SUBMISSION
If you are the applicant selected for this year’s scholarship, you will be honored at the Northwest Arkansas Area Alumnae Chapter Jazz Brunch on Saturday, April 11, 2026. Details will be provided upon selection. Will you be able to attend the reception? (Indicate below) Note: Selection will not be impacted by an applicant’s ability to attend the reception.*

YesNo
PHOTOGRAPH, MEDIA, AND VIDEO AUTHORIZATION RELEASE FORM

I, {studentsFull90}, (“Participant) or Parent/Guardian {parentguardianFull}, on behalf of {studentsFull90} (“Participant Minor Child”) give permission for the Northwest Arkansas Area Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated (the “Chapter”) to publish on the Internet or media still photographs or moving images, including, if applicable any sound recordings accompanying the images (“Images”) taken of me/my child during participation in the Chapter Scholarship activities, without payment or any consideration and without notifying me in advance.

I also give permission for the Chapter to highlight my/my child’s achievements and activities in efforts to promote the scholarship program through newspapers, radio, TV, the web, DVDs, displays, brochures, and other types of media without payment or any consideration and without notifying me. I understand and agree that these Images will become the property of the Chapter, which shall have complete ownership of the Images. I hereby irrevocably authorize the Chapter to publish or distribute these Images for the purpose of publicizing the Chapter’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 Images.

I hereby hold harmless and release and forever discharge the Chapter and any of its officers and members; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated; its officers; National Executive Board; employees; members; representatives; agents; and assigns from any and all claims, costs, suits, actions, judgments, and expenses which I/my child, my/his/her heirs, representatives, executors, administrators, or any other persons acting on my/his/her behalf have or may have by reason of the use of the Images. This Release specifically includes, without limitation, a complete release and discharge of any liability by virtue of any editing, distortion, alteration, or optical illusion, whether intentional or otherwise, that may occur or be produced in the taking of or editing of said Images unless it can be shown that such was maliciously caused, produced and published solely for the purpose of subjecting me/my child to conspicuous ridicule, scandal, reproach, scorn, and indignity.

I hereby certify that I am the Participant or Parent/Guardian, and I am authorized legally to give this consent, and do hereby give my consent without reservation to the foregoing on behalf of myself/my child.
Signature (Signature of guardian if Participant is under the age of 18 years)*

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Date*

MonthDayYear
By submitting this application and photo release, I certify that the above information is true and accurate. I understand the giving of any false information will automatically disqualify me as a recipient of the scholarship.
Should be Empty:

I. PERSONAL INFORMATION

II. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

III. Anticipated College or University

IV. REFERENCES & RECOMMENDATION LETTERS

V. SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

VI. ESSAY

VII. SIGNATURE AND SUBMISSION