Delta Scholars Program

Rutgers University Honors College, in partnership with the Mississippi State University Shackouls Honors College, is now accepting applications from students who are interested in participating in one of the most unique academic co-curricular programs in the nation – The Delta Scholars Program.

Program Overview

The Delta Scholars Program is a two-part academic and community engagement program for talented and socially conscious college students interested in moving Mississippi and the Delta region, and similar regions and communities here in New Jersey, towards a brighter, more just tomorrow.

Delta Scholars are selected for their academic achievements and commitment to public service, to participate in a twelve-day Summer Institute in Mississippi followed by a five-day trip to Boston and Harvard University in the fall.

Both experiences form a cohort of young leaders thinking critically about systemic injustices in the Mississippi Delta, with each Scholar developing a project that will produce positive social change in their communities.

This is a nationally competitive program aimed at sophomores and above, from Mississippi or students who can demonstrate that they are committed to social issues within the region and their connections to populations and regions in New Jersey that have experienced similar injustices, inequalities, and neglect. And while open to all majors there will be special research opportunities for students who are interested in public health.

 

Read about 2023 RU Delta Scholar, Casey Fortson
 and watch an interview with him as well.

As Rutgers’ first Delta Scholar, Casey Fortson ventured to Mississippi in June 2023 as part of a fellowship meant to open both his eyes and his heart.

 

Eligibility

1. Currently enrolled full-time in the Rutgers University Honors College.
2. Preference will be given to sophomores (rising juniors).
3. Additional preference may be given to students who are from or have ties to the Mississippi Delta Region (which includes AL, AR, IL, KY, LA, MO, MS, and TN).
4. While students from any major are welcome to apply, those with academic and strongly correlated personal interests in the law, social work, politics, civil rights, and public health are strongly urged to consider this program.

Application

Applicants must submit the following documents as ONE PDF and file through the online application form:

• A statement of interest in the Delta Scholars Program, concisely describing your research experience, current interests, and career goals, including why you are drawn to this particular scholar program. (between 500 and 1000 words).
• A Biosketch Essay, (350-650 words): "Tell us the story of you, start wherever you want, include any details you feel are relevant."
• Two letters of recommendation one from a faculty member who can speak to your academics and one from an individual who can speak to your commitment to public service (each will receive an email with a link to submit their reference).
• Most recent and up-to-date resume.
• Unofficial copies of RU college transcripts

Application for 2026 Cohort is now OPEN

Selection Process

Rutgers Honors College will review all applications and make its selections for candidates to move forward through the program's selection process. All who are given approval to apply may be asked to also interview with the program through a virtual format in March 2026.

Rutgers University Honors College is guaranteed one space and that will go to our top-ranked internally selected candidate, who will attend the program with all billable expenses and travel paid through a scholarship program.

Students who are not selected but whose applications are strong, will be encouraged to apply for one of the “open” spaces in the program and, if selected by the Delta Scholars Program, may receive some support but must commit to paying for the programmatic costs on their own if there are no additional funds available.

Delta Scholars Summer Institute

The 2026 Delta Scholars Summer Institute is scheduled for June 1 - 12, 2026 [you must be available for the entire experience] at Mississippi State University (Starkville, MS) and throughout the MS Delta region. The fall program will be held in November 2026 [exact dates TBA] in Boston. 

Questions?

If you have any questions, please contact Dean Bowers.