Delta Scholars Program

Cultivating Changemakers

About the Delta Scholars Program

The Delta Scholars Program (DSP) is an academic and community engagement program for college students interested in leadership and cultivating change. Scholars have a commitment to public service and an interest in community development. They engage in a capstone project, taking what they learn and connecting that with real-world initiatives that have broader implications to inform policy.

We believe that investing in students can change communities, regions, and systems. Delta symbolically implies change, and the Multi-State Delta region is a learning space where our scholars experience community development in action. While communities in the flood plains of the Mississippi River have faced challenges that are influenced by local, national, and global forces, the region has also been on the front lines of generating solutions. Our cohort members learn from people and communities in the region, exploring how they responded to these challenges, what can we learn from those efforts, and what can we take back, not just for the region or state, but nationally and globally as well. There is much to be learned from the Delta Region and future leaders benefit from exploring the complexities of this special place.

Program Content

Two-week Summer Research Institute and Delta Innovation Tour
Capstone Project
Cultivating Leaders Fall Conference
Alumni Network

Scholars are introduced to professional workshops, speakers, research presentations and spend time in Delta communities. The Delta Innovation Tour, is an immersive experience for learning more about the history of the Multi-State Delta Region as model of innovation to build skills to foster growth and change. DSP highlights issues and solutions pertinent to the region and beyond.

2027 Application Portal Opens November 1 2026-Closes February 12, 2027

2027 DELTA SCHOLARS PROGRAM APPLICATION PORTAL

Eligibility:

Students who are currently enrolled full-time in a two-or four-year college or university not expecting to graduate in Spring 2027 with a grade point average of 3.4 are encouraged to apply.

Preference may 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.

Any major may apply.

Summer Research Institute and Delta Innovation Tour Dates
June 7-18, 2027
Must be available to travel to Mississippi and attend entire session

Applicants must submit the following:

Application Due by February 12, 2027 at 11:59 p.m.
One PDF Document including:
- Interest Essay (350-650 words):
  - Education/Research background
  - Career Goals
  - Focus Area of Interest? How does apply it to your career interest?
    - Community Development 101
    - Applied Ethics
    - Public/Data Leadership
  - Why DSP?
- Creative Essay (350-650 words): Choose one of the following prompts:
  - What are you curious about?
  - What should we remember?
  - What fiction book has inspired you?
  - Tell us about a decsion you made?
- Official copies of all college transcripts
- Resume
- Two letters of recommendation:
  - One from faculty that speaks to your academic background
  - One non-faculty that speaks to service outside of academics
  - 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 during the week of March 1-5 2027.