Member Dependent Scholarship Program 2026
Description
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
Scholarships will be awarded to children of DSA Class 1 Active (Sworn) or Retired Members. Applicants must be in their last year of high school, preparing for graduation, and must be enrolling in college as a full-time student. The parent must have three or more consecutive years of continuous membership in the DSA on the first day of June preceding the student’s college entrance and be a member of the association when the scholarship is awarded or be a retired member in good standing.
To qualify for the scholarships, the student must be accepted to an accredited two- or four-year college or university during the term immediately following high school graduation. A one-time payment will be sent to the recipient’s college of choice and must be paid by the end of the calendar year.
Essay Questions to prepare for in the application:
Please list the name of your school/university and your major area of study.
Please list the volunteer or related positions you hold at school or in the community.
Please list your hobbies/activities/special interests.
Please describe (1-2 typed pages) your academic plans, career interests, and objectives. You may also include any community involvement, significant events/experiences that have influenced your life, how higher education will influence/affect your life, or any other information you believe would assist the SDCDSF Scholarship Committee in its evaluation of your application. Please note that your personal essay is the most important part of your application.
Selection Process
Candidates for the scholarships will be evaluated on the following standards:
Academic Achievement
The high school academic record of each candidate will be considered. Candidates will be expected to have sufficient credits to begin undergraduate work. Candidates must maintain a minimum 3.0 (“B”) grade point average based on a weighted scale.
Citizenship
The marks in citizenship will be considered.
Leadership
Demonstrated qualities of leadership, either in school or community activities, will also be considered.
Athletic Achievement
The athletic achievement of candidates will be looked at; however, it is not a determining factor for scholarships to be awarded.
Community Service
Demonstrated willingness to give back to the community by service to community organizations.
Scholarship applications must be received within this portal on or before April 6, 2026. Announcement of scholarship awards will be made in May to be effective the following August.
All winners will receive acknowledgment at the DSA General Member meeting on June 11, 2026. Please direct any questions to [email protected].
