The Phi Delta Theta Foundation is proud to announce the first round of 2026 First-Generation Student Scholarships, awarded to 15 student members who indicated a financial need to return to campus for the spring semester. These scholarships reflect the Foundation’s commitment to ensuring that first-generation students—those who are the first in their families to pursue a four-year college degree—can continue their academic journeys without interruption.
These awards represent more than financial assistance. They are a testament to the determination, resilience, and promise of first-generation Phi Delts, and to a fraternity-wide commitment to meeting members at critical moments in their college experience.
Meeting Immediate Need Through Phi Delt Nation’s Generosity
The immediate need 2026 scholarships were made possible through the extraordinary generosity of Phi Delt Nation, particularly the outpouring of support received during the Giving Tuesday Interfraternal Challenge. Because of this collective effort, the Foundation was able to respond quickly to members who shared that financial hardship threatened their ability to remain enrolled for the spring semester.
By awarding scholarships to 15 first-generation members at a pivotal point in the academic year, the Foundation helped remove a significant barrier to persistence and progress—keeping these students on track to complete their degrees.
A Program Rooted in Long-Term Commitment
The First-Generation Student Scholarship was launched in December 2021 as a commitment by the Phi Delta Theta Foundation’s Board of Trustees to expand access to higher education for undergraduate members. Since awarding its first scholarships, the program has grown into one of the Foundation’s most impactful initiatives.
To date, the Foundation has awarded more than $1.1 million through the First-Generation Student Scholarship program, directly supporting members who often face disproportionate financial and institutional challenges as they navigate college for the first time.
This work is a cornerstone of Campaign 2030, which aims to raise $6.4 million to sustain and grow support for first-generation members. While annual generosity—like Giving Tuesday—allows the Foundation to meet urgent needs, the long-term strength of this program depends on endowed support.
Building a Sustainable Future Through Endowed Scholarships
Endowed first-generation scholarships ensure that this support continues year after year, regardless of economic uncertainty. Several restricted endowed scholarships have already been established to support members connected to specific chapters, experiences, or donor initiatives, including:
- A scholarship honoring Col. Stephen M. Bloomer, ret., Monmouth ’83, supporting first-generation members who have served in the military
- Chapter-supported scholarships benefiting members from Indiana Gamma (Butler University), Illinois Alpha (Northwestern University), North Carolina Beta (UNC Chapel Hill), Pennsylvania Mu (Widener University), Pennsylvania Theta (Penn State), Tennessee Zeta (Belmont), and Texas Gamma (Southwestern)
- The Norcross Family First-Generation Scholarship, supporting eligible members across Phi Delt Nation
These endowed funds transform generosity into permanence—ensuring that future first-generation brothers will have access to support when they need it most.
Eligibility and Application Information
Applicants must be first-generation college students who were initiated on or after July 1, 2025. Applications must be submitted through myPhiDelt by May 31, 2026, and before the end of a member’s first academic year of membership.
A Lasting Impact
Through the combined power of immediate giving and long-term endowment, the Phi Delta Theta Foundation continues to open doors for first-generation members—supporting persistence, expanding opportunity, and strengthening the future of Phi Delta Theta.
