First-Generation Student Scholarships
Nearly one-third of undergraduate students in the United States* are first-generation, defined as those with parent(s) who have not attained a bachelor’s degree. Often due to financial challenges, navigating unfamiliar environments, and a lack of on-campus mentorship, first-year retention and graduation rates for first-generation college students are significantly lower than students with parents who attended college.
To support first-generation college students and expand the Fraternity’s diversity and inclusion efforts, the Phi Delta Theta Foundation will provide $250,000 in academic scholarships for first-generation new members in 2022. The scholarships will directly impact the financial hardships of this population and indirectly lower the economic burden of membership into Phi Delta Theta. First-generation students initiated during the upcoming year will automatically be eligible to apply for the scholarships.
In addition to the Foundation’s scholarships for first-generation students, continued educational programming that addresses cultural competency and implicit bias will help shape the membership experience for all new and current members. This programming includes online training for each chapter and adds tasks to the chaplain officer to advocate for diversity and inclusion within the chapter, on campus, and in local communities.
The Fraternity’s comprehensive effort will ensure greater and equitable access to an experience that allows individuals to enhance their trajectory through best-in-class leadership programming, mentorship, and community; and broaden the perspective of its members to achieve success in an increasingly diverse and inclusive world.
These initiatives are possible thanks to the generous and visionary support of Phi Delta Theta Foundation donors alongside the Fraternity’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee; this committee’s review helped broadly reshape the Fraternity’s Phi Delt 2030 strategic plan.
Campaign 2030
Aims to ensure that by 2030 the Phi Delta Theta Foundation is in a better position than any other fraternal foundation to support the Fraternity’s educational and leadership programming, along with the expansion of the brotherhood. Thanks to the generous support of Phis worldwide, who have pledged nearly one-third of the funds needed to make this a reality.
You can join the movement with a gift of $20 or $2,000,000—every donation advances the mission.
Learn more about the campaign by visiting phideltatheta.org/campaign.
*Source: National Center for Education Statistics
