Delta Sigma Theta New Haven Alumnae Scholarship Fund

Established in 2006 by the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority New Haven Chapter, this fund provides scholarships to African American graduating high school seniors in Greater New Haven

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A large group of women, mostly dressed in red and white, pose together indoors in front of a sign celebrating 60 years of service for the New Haven Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. — The New Haven Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority in 2019. Contributed photo.

Delta is the Greek symbol meaning change. For Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. creating change defines their history.

With more than 300,000 members worldwide, Delta Sigma Theta is known for its community commitment. The African American sorority was founded in 1913 after members seeking to make more impactful change formed a new sisterhood. The separation allowed the Deltas to form their own identity and enter a larger realm.

A group of women in dresses pose together indoors, smiling at the camera. Some are seated while others stand behind them. Two women in front hold large cut-out Greek letters ΔΣΘ (Delta Sigma Theta). — The Delta Sigma Theta New Haven Alumnae Scholarship Fund was started in 2006, marking Connecticut's first charitable endowed scholarship fund established by an African American sorority at a community foundation.

Almost a century later, the New Haven Alumnae Chapter stayed true to its groundbreaking roots when it established the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Fund at The Community Foundation in 2006. The Fund provides scholarships to African American high school seniors in the New Haven Alumnae Chapter service area (Ansonia, Bethany, Branford, Derby, East Haven, Guilford, Hamden, Madison, Meriden, Milford, New Haven, North Branford, North Haven, Orange, Seymour, Wallingford, West Haven, & Woodbridge). Awards are based on academic achievement, community involvement and financial need. The Fund's creation marked Connecticut's first charitable endowed scholarship fund established by an African American sorority at a community foundation.

A person wearing glasses and a patterned headscarf smiles while painting a wooden surface outdoors, holding a paintbrush in one hand and a paint cup in the other, with houses visible in the background. — Sorority members provide assistance and support through established programs in local communities. Participation in Habitat for Humanity is just one of the many ways these women work together to enhance their community. Photo credit: Gerald Wenner.

Delores Greenlee, a member of Delta Sigma Theta, Sorority Inc. and former Project Director for New Haven Healthy Start, played a key role in getting the Fund established. She along with the chapter members wanted to ensure that recognizing high school students’ scholastic achievements and aspirations of attending college would continue into the future through creating a sustainable scholarship fund locally with The Community Foundation.

"What engaged me initially was the thought of leaving a legacy and continuing the Chapter's work," Greenlee said. "Many of the longtime members saw that over time things change, and we wanted to make sure that our efforts in terms of supporting students in need would continue."

Since forming the scholarship fund, the Deltas' Fund has distributed over $33,000 into the local community to help deserving students achieve their lifetime dreams.

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