2026 Scholarship Application

 About the National Council of Negro Women

 Section History 

The National Council of Negro Women, Dallas Southwest Section is an organization which seeks to empower and inspire women of African descent to be the leaders and forerunners in society. We accomplish this through innovative programs and community service projects which educate and shine light on the issues that face women and families in our community.  

 National History 

Extraordinary educator and political leader Mary McLeod Bethune (1875-1955) founded NCNW in 1935 with the support of leaders from 28 of the most notable black women's organizations. She pointed out that what was needed was not another organization, but one that would bring organizations together.  Thus, the National Council of Negro Women has been forever branded as “a national organization of organizations” that would represent the national and international concerns of Black women. 

Today NCNW represents a coalition comprised of 200 community-based sections in 32 states and 38 national organizational affiliates working to enlighten and inspire more than 3,000,000 women and men. Our headquarters is based in the historic Dorothy Height Building, 633 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, in Washington, DC. It is strategically located between the White House and the U. S. Capitol.

Our Mission is to promote women, families and communities through a philosophy of public education, service and advocacy. We fulfill our mission through research, advocacy and national and community-based health, education and economic empowerment services and programs in the United States and Africa.

The National Council of Women is open to Women of all ages.  If you would like more information on NCNW, please visit our national website at ncnw.org

 

 Application Due Date: May 1, 2026

1.    DEADLINE for scholarship applications is Monday May 1, 2026 at 11:59 pm CST. 

2.    Refer to Application Process below for a list of the supporting documents needed (i.e., reference letter, evidence of GPA, etc.)  Incomplete applications will not be considered. 

3.    If any question does not apply to you in this application, please put N/A in the space. 

4.    If chosen, you will be notified by phone or email.    

Email any questions about the application to:    NCNWDallasSouthwestScholarship@gmail.com

PURPOSE: The National Council of Negro Women, Dallas Southwest Section Scholarship is to provide financial assistance to Dallas County seniors graduating high school who enroll in a two or four-year college/university or trade school. The National Council of Negro Women, Dallas Southwest Section Scholarship Committee principally targets first and second year programs. 

SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS: The National Council of Negro Women, Dallas Southwest Section Scholarship committee has gathered to encourage students to use their creativity to improve their community. The scholarship application is reviewed by the committee and awarded based on academic performance, community involvement, recommendations, leadership ability, practicability of essays and/or creative projects.  

CRITERIA:  

•     Applicants must be a graduating high school student with a minimum                       unweighted GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. 

•     Applicants must be a citizen or legal permanent resident of the United                     States. 

•     Applicants must be African American.

•     Must attend a high school in Dallas County, Texas. 

•     Applicants must complete and submit a Scholarship Application, which                     includes Essay and other creative projects by May 1, 2026.  

Applicants are REQUIRED to submit 2 projects as part of their application:

1. Submit either a 500-word essay or a three-minute video responding to the following topic:

What are the best words of advice you have received? Who shared them, and how have you applied them in your life? How will you continue to apply this advice in the future?

2.  Choose one of the creative options listed below and submit it as part of their application. This component provides candidates with an opportunity to showcase another dimension of their personality, talents, creativity, and critical thinking skills beyond traditional application materials.

  NCNW

N - Leadership

An Acrostic using acronym the name Bethune

C - Career Path

Make a digital vision board of your goals post high school

N - Service 

The National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) is committed to advancing four core priorities: Education, Health Care, Economic Justice, and Social Justice. Select one of these four priorities and describe your ideal community service project. In your response, explain, what inspired your project idea, the goals and activities of the project, who would benefit from the project, how your project would create a positive and lasting impact on the community.  Applicant can choose their preferred medium, essay, three minute video, digital flyer, etc.

W - Women 

Write a Haiku poem about a famous woman in Black history.  Give a brief description of the person you choose.  

BOTH PROJECTS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED WITH APPLICATION

TIMELINE: Applications and all required documents must be submitted by May 1, 2026 @ https://form.jotform.com/260467418183158. Candidates may be asked for an interview by the Scholarship Committee conducted in April.  If chosen, applicant will be notified of scholarship award by May 2026.  Winners will be invited to attend the Annual Scholarship Fundraising Event on June 6, 2026

 

All required documents listed below must be submitted together with your completed application in order for it to be reviewed by the Scholarship Committee.  Application submissions that do not include all FOUR required documents will be automatically DISQUALIFIED.  (See checklist below)

DOCUMENTS SHOULD BE IN A WORD AND/OR PDF DOCUMENT ONLY! 

For the 2026 scholarship cycle, we are proud to offer financial support to outstanding students pursuing higher education. Scholarships will be awarded to students enrolling in a 2-year or 4-year college/university or an accredited trade school.

Scholarship Awards Available:
One (1) $1,500 Scholarship     Scholarship for “Great”ness                                                                                                            (In honor of Gertrude Stewart)
Two (2) $1,000 Scholarships
Two (2) $500 Scholarships

These scholarships are designed to recognize and support students who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership, creative projects, community involvement, and a commitment to excellence as they pursue their educational and career goals.

SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS: Awards will be issued by September 30, 2026. Applicant must provide VOE (Verification of Enrollment), the correct mailing address of their institution and the department where their scholarship check is to be used. Awards will be distributed after all requirements are met.  

Statement Of Scholarship Accuracy  

I hereby affirm that all the above stated information provided by me to the National Council of Negro Women Southwest Section Scholarship Committee is true, correct and without forgery.  I promise that I will submit only work that I personally create, and I will follow the highest standards of integrity and uphold the spirit of the National Council of Negro Women. I also consent that my picture may be taken and used for any purpose deemed necessary to promote the Scholarship Program. 

I hereby understand that if chosen as a scholarship winner, according to scholarship policy, I must provide evidence of enrollment/registration at the post-secondary institution of my choice before scholarship funds can be awarded.