2026 Bethany D. McClendon Scholarship Application

Bethany D. McClendon 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.

In order to qualify for the Bethany D. McClendon Scholarship, applicants must fulfill all of the following requirements:
- Identify as an African- American female.
- Plan to or currently attend Graduate School or Law School at the University of Arkansas for the Fall of 2026 School Year.
- Complete an application along with an essay (minimum of 1000 words).
- Provide the most recent official college transcript.
- Have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- 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 professor, advisor, faculty, or staff member), and
  - A community member (such as a church member, minister, or leader from a community organization).
- Provide a professional headshot photo (2x3 inches, similar to a license or passport size)
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
Phone Number*

Area CodePhone Number
Student E-mail*
Complete the Parent/Guardian information ONLY if you are under the age of 18.
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 GPA*
College or University Name*
College or University Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Major Course of Study*
Expected Graduation Date *
Upload Current and Official Transcript*

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III. 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 professor, advisor, faculty, or staff member), and A 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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Files must be one of the following: jpg, jpeg or png Cancelof
IV. 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. *

V. 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 1,000 words on the topic provided below.
From Degree to Destiny: Designing a Legacy of Justice in the African-American Community

Bethany D. McClendon used her law education as a tool for justice and community impact. Drawing from her example, explain how your chosen graduate or law program at the University of Arkansas will equip you to confront a specific injustice or inequity affecting the African-American community today (locally, nationally, or globally). In your response, be sure to:
- Identify a concrete issue (e.g., mass incarceration, educational inequity, health disparities, housing access, economic mobility, voting rights, or digital divides) and explain why it matters to you personally.
- Describe the knowledge, skills, and networks you expect to gain from your graduate or law education and how you will apply them to address this issue.
- Share the long-term legacy you hope to create: What will be different for African-American individuals, families, or institutions because you pursued this degree?
- Reflect on how faith, purpose, or personal values inform your vision of justice and service.
Please upload your essay here.*

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VI. SIGNATURE AND SUBMISSION

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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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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. REFERENCES & RECOMMENDATION LETTERS

IV. SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

V. ESSAY

VI. SIGNATURE AND SUBMISSION