• Adaoha C. Hamilton Scholarship

    For Excellence in the Arts

  • The Adaoha C. Hamilton Scholarship Fund

  • The Rho Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is proud to present the
    Adaoha C. Hamilton Scholarship for Excellence in the Arts
    to commemorate the legacy of Ms. Adaoha Chinyere Adzo Thandiwe Hamilton.

  • Very early in her life, Adaoha's intellectual promise was evident. At the age of 13, the Washington Post did a feature story on Adaoha for her role as a tutor to Washington D.C. elementary school children. She earned both her Bachelor's and Master's degree from Columbia University. Upon graduation, Adaoha went on to start her own successful business endeavor, worked for a Fortune 500 company, and conquered the world of real estate with her mother through the joint venture of Adaoha Properties based in Washington, D.C.

  • Still -despite her professional and academic success- Adaoha's true love was her passion for the Arts. She was an accomplished poet, writer, actress, and dancer. During her time at Columbia University Adaoha was not only involved with the Black Theatre Ensemble, she also wrote, produced, and starred in a production during her senior year. Adaoha continually impressed both friends and colleagues with the power of her written word. She produced art that was at once incredibly relevant and meaningful, as it was startling beautiful. Yet, most importantly, she produced work that touched upon larger issues that spoke to the human condition.

  • Love. Friendship. Family. Sorrow. Injustice. Hope.

  • In keeping with Adaoha's sincere commitment to both the Arts and community service, her family and friends established the Adaoha C. Hamilton Scholarship Fund in March of 2008. The scholarship is meant to honor a young woman who exhibits the same qualities of excellence in the Arts that marked Adaoha C. Hamilton's own life. Like Adaoha, applicants can be involved in one of any artistic endeavors.

  • Adaoha C. Hamilton Scholarship Application

  • Amount: $1,000 made payable to student
    Note: Funds should be used to offset educational expenses such as tuition, room/board, books, travel, etc. This award is non-renewable.

  • Deadline: All submissions must be emailed by March 20th, 2026 at 11:59pm.

  • Eligibility criteria:

    • Demonstrated leadership and excellence in the arts.
    • Note: You must be a woman of color to be considered for the Adaoha C. Hamilton Scholarship Award.
    • High School Senior with a cumulative GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale. (78 average out of 100)
    • Pending acceptance into a post-secondary college or university.
    • Complete application including copy of recent transcript, at least 1 letter of recommendation and supplementary essay.
    • Able to attend the Adaoha C. Hamilton Scholarship Fundraiser on Sunday March 29th, 2026 at Columbia University from 12:00pm to 3:30pm.
  • Send all application materials, recommendation(s), transcript and supplementary documentation to:

  • Rho Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
    Adaoha C. Hamilton Scholarship Selection Committee C/O
    Ariana Neal
    Rhopresident1923@gmail.com

  • Adaoha C. Hamilton Scholarship Application

  • Please direct any questions or queries to Ariana Neal | rhopresident1923@gmail.com Subject heading: ACH Scholarship

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  • Format: (000) 000-0000.
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  • Adaoha C. Hamilton ScholarshipApplication

  • Parent or Guardian Contact Information

  • Format: (000) 000-0000.
  • Format: (000) 000-0000.
  • I hereby certify that I meet all eligibility requirements and that the above
    questionnaire has been completed accurately and to the best of my knowledge. I
    understand that all information provided is subject to further verification and if
    deemed false, may result in the dismissal of my application.
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  • Adaoha C. Hamilton Scholarship Application

  • Page 2: Short Answer Component

  • Please answer the following questions in the space provided. Responses found outside of the designated area will not be considered by the selection committee.

  • Adaoha C. Hamilton Scholarship Application

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  • Adaoha C. Hamilton Scholarship Application

  • Page 3: Recommendation Form

  • The Scholarship Selection Committee appreciates your evaluation of this scholarship applicant's strengths. Please complete the following form in its entirety and return to the student in a sealed envelope. While you may continue on the back, additional sheets will not be considered.
  • You have been chosen by the student because you are an adult (non-family member) who can attest to the student's character, achievements, academic potential, artistic promise and/or other capabilities. In the space below, print or type a response that addresses the following.
    • Length of time you have known the applicant and in what capacity.
    • Academic and artistic promise (Keep in mind that the Adaoha C. Hamilton Scholarship is awarded to young women who have excelled in the arts.)
    • Demonstrated leadership and service to the community.
    • Additional comments as deemed necessary.
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