Ruby Dee Sisterhood Scholarship

Application Guidelines

The Ruby Dee Legacy of Sisterhood Scholarship is made possible by a generous donation to the Delta Research and Educational Foundation (DREF) by Dr. Francene Breakfield and L. Denise Wells, longtime members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and the co-authors of An Anthology of Sisterhood. 

Applicants must meet the following guidelines:

The $1,000 merit-based scholarship will be awarded annually to a deserving African American female student who is either a junior or senior collegiate or a graduate student majoring in English, Literature, Drama, Art, Music, African American Studies, Communications, Education, Fine Arts, Performing Arts, or Visual Arts. 

  • Currently attend an accredited college or university on a full-time basis.
  • Be enrolled as either a junior, senior or a graduate student.
  • Must have a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale.
  • Must be actively pursuing a degree at the undergraduate or graduate level in one of the disciplines listed above.
  • Demonstrated community service and leadership skills – which is clearly reflected in recommendation letters.
  • Applicant must have permanent residency (home address) in a state that is part of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority’s Southern Region or Eastern Region.  Preference will be given to applicants from Georgia and New York.

 Please feel free to print the sample application as a reference before completing your application on-line.

Scholarships will be awarded to a current college student who best meets the requirements set forth by the benefactors along with the Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis family. 

Applications must be received by March 23, 2021.

  • Applicant Info

  • Education

  • List the colleges or universities you have attended. Click the plus sign (+) to add new row.
    SchoolWebsiteGPA (Cumulative semesters) 
  • List sports, clubs, offices held in school.
  • Please upload resume.
  • Please provide three personal adult references-other than relatives; letters may be accepted from teachers, mentors, pastors, personal friends, et al) Click the plus sign (+) to add a new
    NameRelationshipMain Phone 
  • Select
    Date Format: MM slash DD slash YYYY

  • Sisterhood Essay

    Prepare and upload a one page essay (maximum 250 words) responding to this topic:

    “What does sisterhood mean to you? “
    Sisterhood is defined as a bond or relationship between two or more women who are not necessarily related by blood. Have you experienced a friendship or connection to a female peer? Describe the positive impact this alliance has had on your life.

  • Prepare and upload a one page essay (maximum 250 words) responding to this topic:

    “What does sisterhood mean to you? “
    Sisterhood is defined as a bond or relationship between two or more women who are not necessarily related by blood. Have you experienced a friendship or connection to a female peer? Describe the positive impact this alliance has had on your life.