Dr. Yvette Murphy-Erby Career and Technical Education (CTE) 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.  

Dr. Yvette Murphy-Erby spent nearly 20 years as a practicing social worker before becoming a professor at the University of Arkansas, where she taught, researched, and mentored students. She later became the university’s first woman vice chancellor for diversity and inclusion, helping create programs that opened doors for people who are often overlooked. Throughout her life, Dr. Murphy-Erby used her education, voice, and leadership to make sure more people had a fair chance to succeed.

The inaugural Dr. Yvette Murphy-Erby Career & Technical Education (CTE) Scholarship honors students who, like her, are committed to growth, service, and making a difference in their communities, especially those seeking to enroll in a two-year college or vocational-technical school in trade fields such as:

• Barbering or Cosmetology
• HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning)
• Electrical work
• Plumbing
• Other skilled trades or technical careers
  
  

In order to qualify for the Dr. Yvette Murphy-Erby Career & Technical Education (CTE) Scholarship, applicants must fulfill all of the following requirements:

• Be an African-American student residing in Washington or Benton County.
• Be a high school senior planning to attend a two-year college or vocational-technical school in Fall 2026.
• Demonstrated interest in a trade through one or more of the following (examples, not all required):
  • Enrollment in a career & technical education (CTE) or trade-related class
  • Participation in a school-based program, club, or training aligned to their trade
  • Part-time work, internship, or apprenticeship in a related field
  • Helping in a family business or community setting using trade-related skills
  • Independent learning, practice, or portfolio (hair, cuts, small repairs, projects, etc.)
• Complete an application along with an essay (minimum of 500 words).
• Provide the most recent official college transcript.
• Have a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
• Submit two letters of recommendation on official letterhead, both of which must be signed (from a non-family member), and at least one (1), from any of the following:
  • Teacher or school counselor
  • CTE / trade instructor or program coordinator
  • Employer or supervisor (including part-time work, apprenticeship, or family business)
  • Coach, faith leader, or community organization leader
• Provide a professional headshot photo (2x3 inches, similar to a license or passport size)
• 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.

Dr. Yvette Murphy-Erby believed in using one’s skills to serve others, especially those who are overlooked or underserved. Describe the career path you plan to pursue (for example: barber, HVAC technician, electrician, cosmetologist, plumber, or another skilled trade). In your essay, address each of the following areas:

• Your “Why” – What personal experiences, challenges, or role models influenced your decision to pursue this particular trade or technical career?
• Your Impact – How do you plan to use your skills in this trade to serve your community, support families, or expand opportunities for others—especially those who may be underserved or overlooked?
• Your Growth – Dr. Murphy-Erby was committed to lifelong learning and leadership. How do you plan to continue growing in your field (for example, through certifications, advanced training, mentorship, entrepreneurship, or community leadership) in order to build a meaningful, long-term career?

You are encouraged to be specific and personal. Share real stories, challenges you’ve faced, and the kind of future you want to create for yourself and for others through your chosen trade.

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.

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.