2026 MHVAC Scholarship

Form
Mid-Hudson Valley Alumnae Chapter
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated
2026 Scholarship Application
Dear Applicant,

The Mid-Hudson Valley Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is pleased to announce the availability of scholarships for female graduating seniors for the 2025-2026 academic year. The application can be completed electronically and submitted on our website at www.mhvadst.org. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is a nonprofit organization of college-educated women committed to the constructive development of its members and to public service, with primary service in the Black community. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. has more than 1000 chapters in the United States and several foreign countries. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. was founded on January 13, 1913, by 22 collegiate women of Howard University. These students wanted to use their collective strength to promote excellence and support those in need. The sorority's activities focus on the following areas: Educational Development, Economic Development, Physical and Mental Health, Political Awareness and Involvement, and International Awareness and Involvement.

The Mid-Hudson Valley Alumnae Chapter was chartered on June 27, 1970. Since then, it has supported many community agencies and a wide range of community action projects across the Mid-Hudson Valley area. These projects focus on such target groups such as senior citizens, youth, and families.

Scholarships are awarded annually to female graduating seniors who are college-bound and reside in the Mid-Hudson Valley area, specifically Ulster, Orange, Dutchess, or Putnam counties. The scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, community service, and school involvement. To apply for a scholarship, the student must have an overall grade point average of at least 85%. The submissions will also be judged based on response to the essay topic, overall literacy, and grammatical accuracy. Essays should not exceed 500 words in length and should be printed or typed. Completed applications should be submitted electronically on our website at www.mhvadst.org by March 31, 2026.

Thank you in advance for your interest in our scholarship program. Best wishes in your future educational endeavors.

Sincerely.

Sharon Brookes and Dr. Augustina West

Scholarship Committee Chairperson

Stefanie Barrett

Chapter President

Scholarship Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must be college-bound African-American/African-Caribbean/African or Latina female graduating high school seniors who reside in the Mid-Hudson Valley area, specifically Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, or Ulster counties. Applicant must not be a relative of a current Mid-Hudson Valley Alumnae Chapter member.
Application Deadline

Electronic submission of your application must be uploaded by 11:59 PM EST on March 31, 2026.
Scholarship Application

Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the requirements to apply for the scholarship?

The applicant must be a college-bound African-American/African-Caribbean/African or Latina female student with a cumulative grade point average of at least 85 or higher to qualify for the scholarship, and live in one of the four counties: Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, or Ulster.

2. What is the minimum GPA requirement to apply for the scholarship?
To apply for the scholarship, the student must have an overall grade point average of 85%.

3. When is the application due?

The application and all supporting documents MUST BE uploaded by 11:59 PM EST on March 31, 2026.

4. What supporting documents must be included in the application package?

One letter of recommendation from a teacher, counselor, or community leader;
Official transcript (must have official school stamp);
Essay (Submit a 500 Words or less essay from one of the writing prompts below);
(1) Describe where you will see yourself in 10 years from now? What will you have accomplished?

(2) What do you consider to be the single most important societal problem? Why?

(3) Describe an experience or a set of circumstances that hasa significant impact on your life. The experience may beone in which you were challenged and overcame an obstacle or one in which you learned the most.

5. Who should write my letter of recommendation?

The letter of recommendation should be written by a teacher/school counselor, or community leader who can speak to your academic and/or community service involvement.

6. What are some examples of honors or awards that will meet the criteria for the application?
Academic honors include national honor society, subject awards (i.e., science awards or math awards); recognitions for academic achievement. Other awards that will meet the criteria are community service awards or athletic awards (leadership awards)

7. Why is Financial Information Requested?
The committee will use this information in deciding the scholarship amount. Please make sure all information is accurate. The committee reserves the right to verify information submitted in the application. An applicant may be disqualified if any information in the application is not factual.

8. When should I expect to be notified about a scholarship award?
Notification of awards will occur the week of May 15th and will be sent to high school personnel.

9. What are some tips to be a competitive candidate for the scholarship award?
Please ensure you have fully answered all application questions and uploaded all required documents. Have a teacher or parent review your application before submitting. Proofread your essay or have a teacher or parent review your application to ensure it is grammatically correct. Please do not use slang in your essay. Use additional sheets to include additional awards or honors if the section is not large enough to include all activities and recognition. Make sure the provided email address is the one the applicant checks regularly. All notifications will be sent electronically by email.
Select your county of residence (only one) Note: If you do not reside in one of these counties, you are not eligible to apply for this scholars

OrangeDutchessUlsterPutnam
Full Name

First NameLast Name
Date of Birth

MonthDayYear
Date
Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2
CityState / ProvincePostal / Zip Code
Home Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.
Cell Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.
Email Address
example@example.com
High School Name
High School Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2
CityState / ProvincePostal / Zip Code
High School Telephone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.
Grade
Overall GPA
PART II: HONORS AND AWARDS

(Academic/Athletic/Community/School Awards)
Honors/Awards: Please list the names, Grade level of when you earned the honors/award and organizations/sources, and reasons for your awards. (Academic/Athletic/Community/School Awards)
PART III: EXTRACURRICULAR SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
List extracurricular school activities-organizations and clubs (1) indicate the name of the group activity, (2) grade you participated or years of involvement, and (3) any leadership positions held.

PART IV: EXTRACURRICULAR/COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
List extracurricular community activities-Organizations and clubs (1) indicate the name of the group activity (2) grade you participated or years of involvement , and (3) any leadership position held.
PART V. SPECIAL TALENTS
List any special talents you have
PART VI: PARENT/GUARDIAN INFORMATION
Mother's/Guardian's Name

First NameLast Name
Mother's/Guardian's Place of Employment:
Mother's/Guardian's Occupation
Mother's/Guardian's Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Mother's/Guardian's Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.
Mother's/Guardian's Email
example@example.com
FATHER'S/GUARDIAN'S INFORMATION
Father's/Guardian's Name:

First NameLast Name
Father's Guardian's Place of Employment:
Father's/Guardian's Occpation:
Father's/Guardian's Address:

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Father's/Guardian's Occupation:
Please enter a valid phone number.
Father's/Guardian's Email:
example@example.com
PART VII: COLLEGE PLANS
What is your prospective College Major?
Please describe your college plans (i.e. school attending in the fall, major, field of study, and your career aspirations.)
PART VIII: INTENTION TO SERVE COMMUNITY
In choosing your field of study, how do you plan to use your acquired skills and experiences to influence your community, region, state, and possibly the world?
IX: FINANCIAL NEED
Did you complete the FREE Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form yet?

YesNoWill not be applying
If Yes, what is your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) stated on your FAFSA or Student Aid Report (SAR)?
Number of Dependent Children Currently Attending College/University
Date

MonthDayYear
Date
Attestation of Financial Need: Signature of Parent/Guardian:

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Scholarship Awards
List the names of Scholarships, Loans, Grants, or Awards Applied. (1) indicate the Awarding Organization and (2) Amount Expected or Awarded.
PART X: ESSAY
You will be assessed on your ability to communicate your thoughts in 500 words or less. Please select one of the topics below:

TOPICS:

Please choose one of the three essay topics. (Word Limit 500 words)

(1) Describe where you will see yourself in 10 years from now? What will you have accomplished?

(2) What do you consider to be the single most important societal problem? Why?

(3) Describe an experience or a set of circumstances that has a significant impact on your life. The experience may be one in which you were challenged and overcame an obstacle or one in which you learned the most.
Type your essay in the space provided below
APPLICATION CHECKLIST
Type a question

Scholarship ApplicationEssayOfficial High School TranscriptLetter of recommendation (May be from teacher, School Counselor, religious leader of community representative)
Upload copy of an Official High School Transcript

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Please have a teacher, religious or civic leader, or another unrelated person use the questions listed below to write a recommendation letter for you, print their name, and sign it.

APPLICANT'S NAME:

__________________________________________________

1) How long have you known the applicant and in what capacity?

2) In what ways has the applicant demonstrated the ability to lead?

(3) Would you describe this applicant as a role model, and if so, why?

(4) If you had to describe this applicant in 3 words, what would they be and why?

(5) Why are you recommending this applicant for a Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Scholarship?
Upload only one Recommendation Letter

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PART IX: CERTIFICATION
I certify that the information provided in this application is true. complete, accurate, and that all statements and essays are my own work. A scholarship award from the Mid-Hudson Valley (NY) Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. may be denied or revoked if any information contained herein is found to be untrue. Should I receive an award, I hereby give permission to Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and Mid-Hudson Valley (NY) Alumnae Chapter to utilize my name and award amount in any publicity or marketing materials.
Signature of Applicant

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Date

MonthDayYear
Date
Signature of Parent/Guardian:

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Date

MonthDayYear
Date
Should be Empty:

Form

Scholarship Eligibility Requirements

Application Deadline

Scholarship Application

Frequently Asked Questions

PART II: HONORS AND AWARDS

PART III: EXTRACURRICULAR SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

PART IV: EXTRACURRICULAR/COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES

PART V. SPECIAL TALENTS

PART VI: PARENT/GUARDIAN INFORMATION

FATHER'S/GUARDIAN'S INFORMATION

Father's/Guardian's Occpation:

PART VII: COLLEGE PLANS

PART VIII: INTENTION TO SERVE COMMUNITY

IX: FINANCIAL NEED

Scholarship Awards

PART X: ESSAY

APPLICATION CHECKLIST

PART IX: CERTIFICATION