Scholarships and Academic Awards Descriptions
Scholarships Open to Undergraduate Students
William C. Johnson Distinguished Scholarship
Continuing Education Scholarship
P.C. Somerville Awards for Future Teachers
Scholarly Paper Awards for Undergraduate Students
Long-Term Study Abroad Scholarships
Short-Term Study Abroad Scholarships
First-Year Graduate Scholarships
Scholarships Open to Graduate Students
William C. Johnson Distinguished Scholarship
Continuing Education Scholarship
P.C. Somerville Awards for Future Teachers
Scholarly Paper Awards for Graduate Students
Scholarships Open to Alumni Members
First-Year Graduate Scholarships
Continuing Education Scholarship
General Eligibility Criteria for Scholarships and Academic Awards
- Students may apply for more than one scholarship.
- All applicants will be required to submit an electronic copy of their most recent unofficial college transcript(s). A transcript may be scanned and saved as a PDF (the preferred file format). JPEG, GIF, and PNG saved as 100 DPI or less are also accepted file formats.
- Applicants will need two letters of recommendation. At least one recommendation must be written by a college English Department faculty member. Students will use the email recommender request process built into the AwardSpring Online submission process.
In addition to general eligibility requirements, each scholarship and academic award may have specific eligibility criteria. Please refer to the Descriptions and Specific Eligibility Criteria section below.
Descriptions and Specific Eligibility Criteria
Junior Scholarships (up to $3,000)
Award Cycle: Spring
Sigma Tau Delta offers the Junior Scholarship in honor of E. Nelson James, long-time Executive Secretary for the Society. Students who are currently in their junior year of undergraduate study are eligible to apply for this scholarship. Applications should demonstrate both academic achievement and campus, community, or chapter service; applicants should explain the relevance of their program of study to fostering the discipline of English, including literature, language, writing, and literacy.
Before receiving this scholarship, successful applicants are required to provide proof of registration as full-time students in the programs described in their applications. Should winners not be able to provide such verification at the beginning of the fall semester following their application process, their awards will be presented to runners-up.
Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
- General Eligibility Criteria
- Currently an undergraduate student in junior year
- Plan to be enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student during the academic year that begins next fall
Senior Scholarships (up to $4,000)
Award Cycle: Spring
Sigma Tau Delta offers the Senior Scholarship in honor of Elva Bell McLin, past Southern Regent and Historian for the Society. Students who are currently in their senior year of undergraduate study are eligible to apply for this scholarship. Applications should demonstrate both academic achievement and campus, community, or chapter service; applicants should explain the relevance of their program of study to fostering the discipline of English, including literature, language, writing, and literacy.
Applicants for the Senior Scholarship should plan to continue their enrollment as ongoing seniors in their undergraduate English-related program the fall semester after the scholarship is awarded. Before receiving this scholarship, successful applicants are required to provide proof of registration as full-time students in the programs described in their applications. Should winners not be able to provide such verification at the beginning of the fall semester following their application process, their awards will be presented to runners-up.
Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
- General Eligibility Criteria
- Currently an undergraduate student in senior year
- Plan to continue their enrollment as a full-time undergraduate student during the academic year that begins next fall
The 1924 Scholarship ($1,924)
Award Cycle: Spring and Fall
Students who are currently undergraduates are eligible for this scholarship, which is awarded to an applicant who exemplifies the mission of the Society. Successful applications will emphasize the student's dedication to and efforts for Sigma Tau Delta at the local, Regional, and/or international levels, and evaluators’ scores for this section will determine whether a student is considered for the award. Applicants should also explain how their ongoing work fosters the study of literature, language, writing, and literacy in English and English-related disciplines.
Before receiving this scholarship, successful applicants are required to provide proof of registration as full-time students in the programs described in their applications. Should winners not be able to provide such verification at the beginning of the fall semester following their application process, their awards will be given to another exemplary student.
Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
- General Eligibility Criteria
- Currently an undergraduate student
- Plan to be enrolled as a full-time undergraduate or graduate student during the academic year that begins next fall
William C. Johnson Distinguished Scholarship (up to $6,000)
Award Cycle: Spring
This scholarship, named in honor of Sigma Tau Delta's past Executive Director, recognizes academic excellence and outstanding service to the Society at the local, regional, and/or national level. Applications should demonstrate both academic achievement and campus, community, and chapter service; applicants should explain the relevance of their program of study to fostering the discipline of English, including literature, language, writing, and literacy. This scholarship requires applicants to submit, in addition to the application information and scholarship essay, a paper originally submitted as coursework and a declaration of authorship.
The successful applicant will have a 3.5 or higher GPA, experience as a Sigma Tau Delta officer or in organizing one or more significant chapter activities, and a very strong, carefully revised and edited critical essay.
Before receiving this scholarship, applicants are required to provide proof of registration as full-time students in the programs described in their applications. Should winners not be able to provide such verification at the beginning of the fall semester following their application process, their awards will be presented to runners-up. Recipients may hold no other Sigma Tau Delta scholarship concurrently.
Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
- General Eligibility Criteria
- Currently a full-time undergraduate or graduate student
- Plan to be enrolled as a full-time undergraduate or graduate student during the academic year that begins next fall
Continuing Education Scholarships (up to $2,500)
Award Cycle: Spring
This scholarship is intended to assist current student or alumni members in furthering their education on a part-time or non-degree-seeking basis in areas of study that are consistent with the mission of Sigma Tau Delta but that would not be eligible for other scholarships (such as the Summer Program Scholarship). Examples of eligible areas of study include teacher certification, summer coursework, publishing institutes, and professionalization opportunities. Applicants will describe current or past academic scholarship and campus, community, or chapter service. As part of their application, members should also provide context for their part-time or non-degree-seeking student status.
Before receiving this scholarship, applicants are required to provide proof of registration in a program that begins between May of the current year and April of the following year. Should winners not be able to provide such verification following their application process, their awards will be presented to runners-up.
Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
- General Eligibility Criteria
- Alumni or current student
- Plan to be enrolled in a part-time or non-degree seeking program that begins between May of the current year and April of the following year
P.C. Somerville Awards for Future Teachers (up to $2,000)
Award Cycle: Spring and Fall
P.C. Somerville Awards, named in honor of Sigma Tau Delta's first President, are for active members who will begin their first year of teaching elementary, middle, or high school English. Applicants should demonstrate academic scholarship, chapter service, and an aptitude for teaching. Should winners not be able to provide verification of their employment as an educator by the beginning of the fall semester following their application process, their awards will be presented to the runners-up. Recipients of the P.C. Somerville Award cannot accept any other Sigma Tau Delta scholarship concurrently.
Applicants do not need to be under contract at the time of application, but to receive their stipends, winners must provide verification of the appropriate degree and of full-time employment (per instructions from the Sigma Tau Delta Central Office) by August 31.
Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
- General Eligibility Criteria
- Will begin first year of teaching elementary, middle, or high school English by August 31 of the upcoming school year
Scholarly Paper Awards for Undergraduate Students (up to $750)
Award Cycle: Spring
Sigma Tau Delta will award up to $750 for the best undergraduate student scholarly paper presented at a non-Sigma Tau Delta professional, academic conference. The paper must be on an English-related subject and have been presented at a conference during the twelve months ending March 31 of the current year. The paper must be the version presented at the conference and NOT a longer version of the same paper.
Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
- General Eligibility Criteria
- Currently an undergraduate student
- Presented a scholarly paper on an English-related subject at a non-Sigma Tau Delta professional, academic conference within the twelve-month period ending March 31 of the present year
Long-Term Study Abroad Scholarships (up to $3,000)
Award Cycle: Spring and Fall
The scholarship provides up to $3,000 for the purpose of studying in a program that furthers the applicant's engagement with Sigma Tau Delta's mission. Students must be studying for an academic term or year in a certified, undergraduate program outside the country in which the nominating chapter is located. Applicants should demonstrate academic scholarship and chapter service; they also must explain the relevance of their study abroad program and activities to fostering the discipline of English, including literature, language, writing, or literacy.
Study abroad scholarships are determined in two stages: fall recipients are announced in December, and spring recipients will be notified in early May. Successful fall scholarship applications can be used for study abroad from January through December of the subsequent year. Successful spring applications can be used from the time of the upcoming summer term through the end of the subsequent spring semester (in the next calendar year). Unsuccessful fall applications are eligible to re-apply in the spring, but a new application must be completed.
Scholarship recipients will be required to provide verification that they have arrived on-site (an official letter from the resident director of the program is acceptable for this purpose).
Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
- General Eligibility Criteria
- Currently an undergraduate student
- Plan to study abroad in a certified undergraduate program for a full academic term
Short-Term Study Abroad Scholarships (up to $1,500)
Award Cycle: Spring and Fall
The scholarship provides up to $1,500 to support participation in an undergraduate study-abroad program of less than an academic term. The program must be a certified, undergraduate program outside the country in which the nominating chapter is located, and it should further the applicant's engagement with Sigma Tau Delta's mission. Applicants should demonstrate academic scholarship and chapter service; they also must explain the relevance of their study abroad program and activities to fostering the discipline of English, including literature, language, writing, or literacy.
Study abroad scholarships are determined in two stages: fall recipients are announced in December, and spring recipients will be notified in early May. Successful fall scholarship applications can be used for study abroad from January through December of the subsequent year. Successful spring applications can be used from the time of the upcoming summer term through the end of the subsequent spring semester (in the next calendar year). Unsuccessful fall applications are eligible to re-apply in the spring, but a new application must be completed.
Scholarship recipients will be required to provide verification that they have arrived on-site (an official letter from the resident director of the program is acceptable for this purpose).
Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
- General Eligibility Criteria
- Currently an undergraduate student
- Plan to study abroad in a certified undergraduate program that does not constitute a full academic term
Summer Program Scholarships (up to $1,500)
Award Cycle: Winter
These scholarships are for active undergraduate members, including seniors who are about to graduate at the time of application. The scholarship provides up to $1,500 for the purpose of attending a special summer program, in the student's home country, which furthers the applicant's engagement with Sigma Tau Delta's mission. Qualifying summer programs must be at least three weeks in length and no longer than three months. Applicants should demonstrate academic scholarship and chapter service and must explain the relevance of their summer program to fostering their engagement in the discipline of English, including literature, language, writing, or literacy. Note: This scholarship cannot be used toward a regular summer session at the student's home institution.
Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
- General Eligibility Criteria
- Currently an undergraduate student
Before receiving this scholarship, applicants are required to provide proof of enrollment in the summer program described in their applications. Should winners be unable to provide such verification their awards will be presented to runners-up.
First-Year Graduate Scholarships (up to $4,000)
Award Cycle: Spring
Sigma Tau Delta offers the First-Year Graduate Scholarship to support students who plan to begin a first year of graduate school in the fall. Students who are currently in their senior year of undergraduate study and will graduate this year or members who have previously earned a baccalaureate degree but have not previously been enrolled in a graduate program are eligible to apply for this scholarship. Applications should demonstrate both academic achievement and campus, community, or chapter service; applicants should explain the relevance of their program of study to fostering the discipline of English, including literature, language, writing, and literacy.
Applicants for the First-Year Graduate Scholarship should plan to be enrolled in a graduate English-related program the fall semester after the scholarship is awarded. Before receiving this scholarship, successful applicants are required to provide proof of registration as full-time students in the programs described in their applications. Should winners not be able to provide such verification at the beginning of the fall semester following their application process, their awards will be presented to runners-up.
Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
- General Eligibility Criteria
- Currently an undergraduate student in senior year or a member who has previously earned a baccalaureate degree but has not previously been enrolled in a graduate program
- Plan to be enrolled as a full-time graduate student during the academic year that begins next fall
Graduate Scholarships (up to $4,000)
Award Cycle: Spring
Sigma Tau Delta offers the Graduate Scholarship in honor of Edwin L. Stockton, Jr., Past-President, who served for 18 years. Members are eligible for this scholarship if they are graduate students who will continue to be enrolled in an English-related graduate program during fall of the next academic year. Applications should demonstrate both academic achievement and campus, community, or chapter service; applicants should explain the relevance of their program of study to fostering the discipline of English, including literature, language, writing, and literacy.
Before receiving this scholarship, successful applicants are required to provide proof of registration as full-time students in the programs described in their applications. Should winners not be able to provide such verification at the beginning of the fall semester following their application process, their awards will be presented to runners-up.
Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
- General Eligibility Criteria
- Currently a graduate student who will be continuing graduate education
- Plan to be enrolled as a full-time graduate student during the academic year that begins next fall
Scholarly Paper Awards for Graduate Students (up to $750)
Award Cycle: Spring
Sigma Tau Delta will award up to $750 for the best graduate student scholarly paper presented at a non-Sigma Tau Delta professional, academic conference. The paper must be on an English-related subject and have been presented at a conference during the twelve months ending March 31 of the current year. The paper must be the version presented at the conference and NOT a longer version of the same paper.
Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
- General Eligibility Criteria
- Currently a graduate student
- Presented a scholarly paper on an English-related subject at a non-Sigma Tau Delta professional, academic conference within the twelve-month period ending March 31 of the present year
Regents' Scholarships (up to $1,000)
Award Cycle: Spring
The highest scoring scholarship applicant in each region who does not receive another scholarship is automatically considered for a Regents' Scholarship.
Before receiving a scholarship, recipients are required to provide proof of registration in a full load of courses appropriate to Sigma Tau Delta's mission. Should winners not be able to provide such verification at the beginning of the fall semester following their application process, their awards will be offered to alternates.
Regents' Equity Scholarships (up to $1,000)
Award Cycle: Spring
The highest scoring undergraduate scholarship applicant in each region who is Pell Grant eligible and who does not receive another scholarship is automatically considered for the Sigma Tau Delta Regents’ Equity Scholarship. Students who would like to be considered for this scholarship are required to upload a financial aid or award letter on university letterhead confirming the applicant’s Pell eligibility.
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