Searching Out Sorority Scholarships

Funding For Women In College

College women are advancing in almost every field of academic expertise. As a result, there are many funding opportunities focused solely on helping women, still classified as minorities, advance in academia. Sororities provide valuable social and professional networks for women on campus, and often offer a hand-up with financial assistance through grants, awards and scholarships designed for members in good standing.

By Membership

Joining a sorority provides social networking opportunities which often lead to advantageous connections throughout life. Each sorority has its own distinct personality, focus and traditions, so you can look for one that is right for you. (There are 26 international women’s fraternities and sororities under the aegis of the National Panhellenic Council.) National sororities usually feature a separate foundational branch that raises funds and seeks endowments to establish scholarships and grants for members, in addition to alumni relatives and alumni members wishing to pursue higher degrees. Application deadlines vary, so be sure to check with your sorority.  Some of these sororities include:

The Kappa Delta Sorority offers multiple scholarships, fellowships and grants to members nationwide to its members. Undergraduate and graduate scholarships are valued between $500 and $5,000 each, and some are applied to specific sorority chapters. Sorority members in good standing are allowed to apply annually even if they have previously won a scholarship

Alpha Chi Omega offers scholarships, educational assistance, and general assistance to members. One scholarship application is required for any of the scholarships. Scholarships are available to graduates, undergraduates and alumni members.

Alpha Xi Delta offers 40 scholarship funds ranging from  $400 to $3,600 to collegiate and alumni members. Scholarships are awarded based on academic performance, community and chapter involvement, need and other criteria. Generals scholarships are available regardless of chapter or field of study.

By Subject

Sororities that are known as “professional” sororities specialize in certain areas of study, which fosters the members’ bonds and enhances academic achievement through mutual study and career goals. Depending on the subject you choose, you can find sororities offering scholarships for any field or interest.

Delta Theta Chi is a non-collegiate sorority specializing in promoting education. They offer national and provincial scholarships ranging from $500 to $3,000. Scholarships are awarded based on grade point average and financial need. Applications must be submitted through an active, local Delta Theta Chi chapter.

Are you a woman interested in majoring in engineering or technical science? Alpha Omega Epsilon is a professional and social sorority for female engineering and technical science students and alumni. They offer two scholarship programs for applicants choosing this career path. Applicants for the Rings of Excellence Scholarship are required to be current members or the member’s child or grandchild. The Engineering and Technical Science Achievement Scholarship applies only to undergraduates majoring in engineering or technical science.

Kappa Epsilon is the sorority for aspiring female pharmacists. KE is dedicated to advancing the profession for women in what was once a male-dominated field. Kappa Epsilon grants scholarships and awards annually ranging between $200 and $750. Scholarships are only available to active members currently in college.

Minority Women

Sororities have also been founded based on the common thread of societal marginalization and repression. Scholarships from minority sororities provide an ever-widening pool of opportunity.

Alpha Kappa Alpha is a sorority for women of color. The Alpha Kappa Alpha Educational Advancement Foundation awards both graduate and undergraduate scholarships to both women and men for merit, financial need and leadership or community involvement. During even-numbered years, an array of endowments and fellowships offer support for a variety of specialized concerns, from law to the study of lupus, for a range of recipients. Through 2015, the Alice S. Marriott Scholarship Fund will provide scholarships for minority students who are interested in careers in hospitality.

Phi Delta Kappa is an international professional association for educators that is also associated with the Pi Lambda Theta honors society and the Future Educators Association for high school students. Phi Delta Kappa awards more than 30 scholarships each year to prospective educators who have a connection to PDK by having a family member or teacher who is a PDK member or through membership in the Future Educators Association. It also offers 11 endowed scholarships and 15 general scholarships for students pursuing education.