LORETTA NICKENS BOOK SCHOLARSHIP

AWARD AMOUNT- $500

Non-renewable

2026 application opens- January 20, 2026

Applications submission- No later than April 3, 2026, 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.

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.

2026 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 attend an institution of higher learning as a full-time student for the upcoming fall semester, but no later than spring semester of the same academic year.
Minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or higher, plus 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 official transcript with GPA.

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

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

This award honors Mrs. Loretta Nickens, one of our chapter’s most cherished former members. Mrs. Nickens embodied the values of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. A respected educator and University of Kentucky Donovan Scholar, she moved to Lexington in 1979 after teaching in Detroit. She dedicated her life to uplifting students, especially African‑American students often overlooked in the school system. Most notably, she established a book scholarship to support young high school girls, fostering their love of reading, and inspiring them to pursue higher goals.

SCHOLARSHIP REQUIREMENTS

The deadline for scholarship applications is April 3, 2026.
Incomplete applications will not be considered. (NO EXCEPTIONS)
A list of the supporting documents needed to complete this application.
- Official transcript with GPA
- Write a 250–500‑word essay, including your name and date, on the topic: ‘How do strong critical thinking skills help you tell fact from fiction?'
Once the application is submitted, an email confirmation will be sent to acknowledge receipt of your application.
Proof of school enrollment (an official letter of enrollment, a class schedule, tuition receipt, etc.) from the educational institution of your choice. Please note: a school’s letter of acceptance without proof of enrollment does not qualify.

Scholarship Application