Program Overview

Delta Scholars Program

The Delta Scholars Program exists to invest in students who can change entire communities. With donor partnerships, the program challenges bright and motivated undergraduates to become leaders ready to collaborate with communities on issues related to public health, economic renewal, and community resilience.

Program Overview

The Delta Scholars Program is a two-part academic and engagement experience that selects outstanding students for their achievements and commitment to service. The program guides students through pre-sessions in the spring, a two-week Summer Research Institute and Delta Innovation Tour, and a Capstone Project where they partner on solutions that extend far beyond the program itself.

Eligibility

Students who are currently enrolled full-time in a two-or four-year college or university, not expecting to graduate in Spring 2026, with a grade point average of 3.4 are encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to students who have completed two years of coursework and are from or attending school in the Multi-State Delta Region (which includes AL, AR, IL, KY, LA, MO, MS, and TN) or a partner institution.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit the following:

• Statement of Interest: A letter concisely describing research experience, current interests, and career goals, including why they are drawn to this particular scholar program.
  • Formatted: Double spaced, 12-point black font, with 1-inch margins and be no less than 500 words and no more than 1000 words
• Biosketch Essay (350-650 words): "Tell us the story of you, start wherever you want, include any details you feel are relevant."
  • Formatted: Double spaced, 12-point black font, with 1-inch margins and be no less than 350 words and no more than 650 words
• Resume
• Transcript
• Two letters of recommendation
  • One from faculty and one non-faculty
  • Letters must be on organizational letterhead and address participation specifically in the Delta Scholars Program.
• Applicants who advance to semi-finalist will be required to participate in a virtual interview with the committee in March 2026.

Program Content

The program includes:

• Summer Research Institute
• Delta Innovation Tour
• Cultivating Leaders Fall Conference

Summer Research Institute and Delta Innovation Tour

Through a 12-day intensive learning experience, scholars are introduced to professional workshops, speakers, and research presentations. They will embark on a Delta Innovation Tour, an immersive experience for learning more about the history of the Multi-State Delta Region as a model of innovation to build skills to foster growth and change.

Cultivating Leaders Fall Conference

Scholars are invited to reconnect and present at a three-day Cultivating Leaders Fall Conference in collaboration with partner institutions to culminate the eight-month long experience. This conference provides an opportunity for students to share updates on their projects, receive continued mentorship, and engage with students and faculty working on Multi-State Delta issues.

Partners

The Delta Scholars Program is led through the Shackouls Honors College in collaboration with many partners, including:

• Southern Rural Development Center
• Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi
• Brandeis University
• University of Mississippi
• Rutgers University
• Harvard University

Director

The Director of the Delta Scholars Program is Professor Eleanor M. Green, M.Ed.

Previous Cohorts

The 2025 cohort included students from eight institutions representing five states, providing an excellent opportunity for college students to learn, network, and grow together. Alumni of the program include:

• Kayle Amos, Mississippi, University of Mississippi
• Anna Claire Carter, Arkansas, University of Mississippi
• Zayd Elhedoudy, New Jersey, Rutgers University
• Rowan Feasel, Mississippi, Mississippi State University
• Naiya Fort, Louisiana, Alcorn State University
• Anne Marie Sullivan, Mississippi State University
• Bianca Hemsath, Kentucky, University of Mississippi
• Saige Kenner, Louisiana, Southern University A & M College
• Spencer Lile, Mississippi State University
• John Robert Walker, Mississippi, Yale University
• Alexandra Wall, Mississippi, Copiah-Lincoln Community College