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LORETTA NICKENS BOOK AWARD

AWARD AMOUNT- $500

2025 application opens- March 1, 2025  

Applications submission- No later than April 18, 2025, 11:59pm

For more information, contact our scholarship committee at scholarships.dstlexky@gmail.com.

PURPOSE

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., is an organization of college- educated women committed to the constructive development of its members and to public service, with a primary focus on the Black community.  This book award/scholarship is presented in honor of Mrs. Loretta Nickens, a loving and caring educator, and deceased member, who endowed this scholarship to encourage high school girls to develop a love for reading and communication skills and to inspire them to higher goals.

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The purpose of this scholarship is to provide a merit- based financial award to an African American student who excels in English/Language Arts or an English- related course and plans to attend college.  Applicants must live and consistently identify as female (she, her, etc.) regardless of gender as assigned at birth.​​

2025 SELECTION CRITERIA

  • Applicants must be a graduating senior of any public high school or special learning program associated with the Lexington-Fayette County Public Schools.

  • Applicants must plan to attend an institution of higher learning as a full-time student for the upcoming academic semester.

  • Grade point average of 2.5 or higher and any of the following:

    • School or community awards/recognitions

    • Involvement in community/ volunteer /civic activities

    • Noteworthy achievement

  • Applicants must excel in English/ Language Arts or any English related course.

  • Applicants must submit a copy of their transcript with GPA.​

Whether you're pursuing higher education, vocational training, or career advancement, we b

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

This award is presented in honor of Mrs. Loretta Nickens, one of our chapter’s most endeared former members.  Mrs. Nickens exemplified the true meaning of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.  She was a revered educator and University of Kentucky Donovan scholar.  A former teacher in Detroit, Michigan, Ms. Nickens moved to Lexington in 1979.  She worked tirelessly to better all of her students- especially African-American students- who many times were overlooked in our school system, and to advance and improve those within her community.  Most importantly, on behalf of the sorority, she endowed a book scholarship fund to be used for young high school girls to encourage their love for reading and to inspire them to higher and loftier goals. 

SCHOLARSHIP REQUIREMENTS

  1. The deadline for scholarship applications is April 18, 2025.

  2. Incomplete applications will not be considered. (NO EXCEPTIONS)

  3. ​A list of the supporting documents needed to complete this application.

    • transcript with GPA

    • submit a 250–500 word essay on “Why is community service important today?” ​

  4. Once the application is submitted, an email confirmation will be sent to acknowledge receipt of your application.​

  5. Proof of school enrollment (letter of acceptance or first semester class schedule) is required to receive the check.  Further instructions will be sent after winners are selected.

Scholarship Application

Delta Sigma Theta, Sorority, Inc., Lexington (KY) Alumnae Chapter

PO Box 1229, Lexington, KY 40588

Email: dstlexkyalumnae@yahoo.com

©2022-2025 by Lexington (KY) Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
​This website is the sole property and responsibility of the Lexington (KY) Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

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