Gamma Phi Delta Sorority, Inc. Zeta Alpha Chapter Scholarship

Gamma Phi Delta Sorority, Inc. Zeta Alpha Chapter

2025-2026 Scholarship Application
Dear Scholarship Applicant,

On behalf of the members of Gamma Phi Delta Sorority, Incorporated, Zeta Alpha Chapter, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the 2025–2026 Scholarship Program. Each year, our chapter is proud to support outstanding students like you who are pursuing academic excellence, leadership, and service within our community.

As an organization founded on the principles of Scholarship, Service, and Sisterhood, we believe that investing in the education and development of our families are essential to building strong communities and lasting legacies. Through this scholarship program, we aim to honor your hard work, dedication, and vision for the future.

Within this packet, you will find important information regarding eligibility criteria, application instructions, required documentation, and submission deadlines. Please review all materials carefully and ensure that your application is complete before submission. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

We encourage you to take pride in this moment—your commitment to your education and community sets you apart. We look forward to learning more about your achievements and aspirations, and we celebrate your decision to take this step toward your future.

If you have any questions or need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact the Zeta Alpha Scholarship Committee at ZetaAlpha2ndVP@GPD1943.org.

Best wishes as you continue to pursue your academic and personal goals. We are excited to walk alongside you on this journey.

Tamara Jackson-West, President

Tiara Caswell, 2nd Vice President
2025–2026 Scholarship Criteria & Instructions
Gamma Phi Delta Sorority, Inc. – Zeta Alpha Chapter

The Zeta Alpha Chapter of Gamma Phi Delta Sorority, Inc. is proud to offer scholarship opportunities to support academic achievement, professional development, and sisterhood. Please review the following criteria and instructions carefully. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

Kartessa Bell Scholarship
For Sorors of Gamma Phi Delta Sorority, Inc. or Trade School Students

Purpose
To honor Soror Kartessa Bell’s legacy by empowering members of the sisterhood and students pursuing trade and technical careers.

Eligibility Criteria
- Applicant must be a financial member of Gamma Phi Delta Sorority, Inc. in good standing with Zeta Alpha Chapter OR a current or incoming student enrolled in a trade, vocational, or technical program.
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- Must reside in Tennessee or Mississippi.
- Must demonstrate financial need or barriers to program completion.
- Must submit proof of enrollment or acceptance in a certified trade or technical program.
- Must submit a personal statement (300–500 words) describing how the training will impact your life and community.
- Must provide one letter of recommendation (professional, academic, or character).
- Must submit a completed and electronically signed application by March 31, 2026. Additional Competitive Components (Strongly Recommended)
- Financial Need Statement: Include employment status, obligations, and any financial hardships.
- Career Roadmap: A 1–2 page outline detailing your trade pathway, intended certifications, and job prospects.
- Skills or Work Sample: Submit photos of prior projects, certificates, or other evidence of skill.
- Community Impact Pledge: Commit to participating in at least one Zeta Alpha Chapter event or mentoring another trade student.
Zeta Alpha Scholarship
For Graduating High School Seniors

Purpose
To support college-bound seniors in Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, and Tennessee who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement.

Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a graduating high school senior in the Class of 2026.
- Must reside in Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, or Tennessee.
- Must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).
- Must provide an official transcript through the first semester of senior year.
- Must submit two letters of recommendation (one academic, one personal or community-based).
- Must provide a college/university acceptance letter.
- Must submit a typed, one-page essay on:
  “How earning a college degree will help you achieve your career goals.”
- Must submit a completed application form with required signatures and attachments by March 31, 2026.
- Must submit a passport-size photo and complete a media release form.
Additional Competitive Components (Optional but Encouraged)
- FAFSA Submission Summary or Household Income & Size Statement.
  Leadership & Service Résumé (school involvement, volunteer work, awards).
  Community Impact Statement (150–200 words).
  Tie-breaker priority will be given to:
- First-generation college students
- Students from underserved or rural areas
- Students pursuing high-demand majors
Application Deadline
All scholarship applications and required materials must be submitted electronically by February 15, 2026.

Late or incomplete submissions will not be accepted.

Recipients will be notified via email and announced at the Zeta Alpha Chapter’s Scholarship Recognition Program.

Award Amount
Scholarship awards will vary and may be applied toward tuition, fees, room and board, books, or supplies.

Instructions for Submission
1. All applications must be completed and submitted electronically through JotForm.
2. Applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM on the deadline date.
3. All required attachments (transcripts, recommendation letters, essays, statements, etc.) must be uploaded directly within the Online application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
4. If you need to make a correction or update after submission, you will need to resubmit the entire application.
5. The most recent submission will be considered for review and judging.
Select The Scholarship In Which You Are Applying For

Please review the criteria. If you meet the criteria for both programs, you are more than encouraged to apply for both.
Select the Scholarship Program In Which You Are Applying For (Select All That Apply)
I. Applicant's Information

To be completed by applicant
Name

First NameLast Name
Date of Birth

MonthDayYear
Date
Sex
Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Email
example@example.com
Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
II. Academic & Extra-Curricular Success

To be completed by applicant
Honors & Awards
Extracurricular Activities & Community Service Activities/Awards
III. Attachments

To be completed by applicant
Participant Essay

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Headshot

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High School Transcript

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1st Letter of Recommendation

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2nd Letter of Recommendation

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Media Release

Please review and sign the media release form.
I have read,understand, and agree to all items listed on the eligibility requirementssheet. I hereby certify the information furnished herein is complete, true, andaccurate to the best of my knowledge. I hereby grant permission to Gamma PhiDelta Sorority, Inc., Southern Region to contact my school for verificationpurposes and to use my name, likeness, and photograph in promotional materialsif I am selected to receive a scholarship.
Applicant Signature
Should be Empty:

Gamma Phi Delta Sorority, Inc. Zeta Alpha Chapter

Select The Scholarship In Which You Are Applying For

I. Applicant's Information

II. Academic & Extra-Curricular Success

III. Attachments

Media Release