By Williamena Kwapo | OBSERVER Staff Writer
Numerous scholarships are available in the Sacramento area to students at various stages of their academic journey. These scholarships aim to alleviate students’ financial burden, enabling them to pursue their educational goals with greater ease and focus. Here’s a glance at some accepting applications.
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Elk Grove Alumnae Chapter
The Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Elk Grove Alumnae Chapter hosts an annual scholarship program with multiple offerings tailored to different student demographics. The Theresa A. Pradia HBCU Book Scholarship awards $500 apiece to multiple recipients, while the Carolyn N. Watts Scholarship grants $1,000 specifically to West Sacramento residents. The $1,500 Jacquelyn M. and Jimmie Ward Scholarship is dedicated to African American students pursuing nursing.
Interested applicants can explore eligibility criteria and access the application process before the deadline of Monday, April 15. Application and details about how to qualify for each scholarship can be found here.
NCBW
The National Coalition of 100 Black Women presents another opportunity for students within a 50-mile radius of Sacramento. Its 2024 scholarship aims to support graduating high school seniors, as well as full-time community college or university students, who demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5. Interested candidates have until Saturday, April 20, to apply.
Sisters Of Nia
Sisters of Nia, an organization committed to empowering adolescent girls in urban communities, offers scholarships ranging from $500 to $5,000. These scholarships are open to graduating high school seniors, vocation school students, and matriculating college or graduate students. With a minimum GPA requirement of 2.0, applicants must have been accepted into or be attending an accredited program in fall 2024. The application deadline is Tuesday, April 30, with notifications for successful candidates scheduled for Saturday, June 1. Visit the website for more information and application.
The Gamma Epsilon Foundation
The Gamma Epsilon Foundation Scholarship Program focuses on increasing access and opportunity for African American students in greater Sacramento. This scholarship program targets admitted freshmen or continuing undergraduate students at four-year universities or community colleges. While high school graduates need to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, for undergraduate students it is 2.5. Although the program prioritizes students in STEM pathways, applicants from all fields are encouraged to apply. The application deadline is Monday, June 3, with recipients set to be announced Monday, July 22. An application can be filled out online, but must be printed.
These scholarships help cover the needs of students from diverse backgrounds and academic pursuits. By offering such opportunities, area organizations contribute to fostering educational equity and excellence. These organizations hope that their initiatives reflect a collective commitment to investing in the future, ensuring that deserving students can access the resources needed to achieve their educational aspirations. As the application deadlines approach, aspiring scholars are encouraged to explore these opportunities, taking steps towards realizing their academic ambitions.
Support for this Sacramento OBSERVER article was provided to Word In Black (WIB) by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative. WIB is a collaborative of 10 Black-owned media that includes print and digital partners.