Scholarships & Grants

The Danish Sisterhood of America is very proud of its Scholarship and Grants Programs, which are available to members of the Danish Sisterhood and their children, regardless of age.

Our scholarships and grants are made possible through generous endowments and memorial funds and are being supplemented by donations from individual members, lodges, and districts of the National Sisterhood. No membership dues are used to support these scholarships.

At the time our scholarship and grant funds were established, the donors – all with strong ties to the Danish Sisterhood – made stipulations regarding eligibility to which we are legally bound to adhere.

The longevity of the scholarship program is dependent upon investment returns as well as donations. Such donations are crucial to the program’s continuance – and are very much appreciated.

SCHOLARSHIPS

We have five different scholarships, one of which presently offers six awards per year.

All scholarship applications are due (must be postmarked by) March 1, and are awarded for study commencing in the fall of the year of application.

NOTE: A person can receive a maximum of 2 (two) National Scholarships (except the Elizabeth Garde National Scholarship which can be received only once).

Verification of Matriculation must be provided by October 31 (first semester) and December 15 (second semester).

Verification of Matriculation (second semester): December 15th

First time applicants will be given priority consideration over previous scholarship winners.

Download Scholarship Info

Past National Officer's Scholarship
One available at $500.

The applicant must:
- Be selected as a concurrent Betty Hansen National Scholarship winner.
- Be a Danish Sisterhood member in good standing for a minimum of one year prior to the scholarship deadline.
- Have a grade point average (GPA) of 3.8 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
Note: This scholarship will be awarded at the discretion of the National Board, upon recommendation by the DSS Scholarship Chair.
Betty Hansen National Scholarship
Up to six available at $2500 each.

The applicant must:
- Be a Danish Sisterhood member or the child of a Danish Sisterhood member in good standing for a minimum of one year prior to the application deadline.
- Have a grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
- Be a full time student enrolled in or entering an accredited four-year college or university as a graduate or undergraduate student
Note: This scholarship may be used for study in Denmark upon written request, with the approval of the DSS Scholarship Chair.
Mildred Sorensen National Scholarship
One available at $1000.

Applicant must:
- Be a Danish Sisterhood member or the child of a Danish Sisterhood member in good standing for a minimum of one year prior to the application deadline.
- Have a grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
- Be a high school graduate enrolled in a technical (vocational) educational program leading to a certificate, diploma, an associate degree, or higher.
Olga Christensen National Scholarship
One available at $1000.

Applicant must:
- Be a Danish Sisterhood member or the child of a Danish Sisterhood member in good standing for a minimum of one year prior to the application deadline.
- Have a grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
- Be a high school graduate enrolled in a technical (vocational) educational program leading to an associate degree or higher.
Elizabeth Garde National Scholarship
One available at $850.

Applicant must:
- Be a Danish Sisterhood member or the child of a Danish Sisterhood member in good standing for a minimum of one year prior to the application deadline.
- Have a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Be a post high school student or graduate student seeking a degree in nursing or other medical profession.
Note: A person can only receive this award once.

EDUCATIONAL GRANTS

The Betty Hansen Continuing Education Grant Program offers ten awards annually – five are given in February (the “January Round”) and five in September (the “August Round”.)

Grants are awarded for courses just completed (or near completion) immediately preceding the application due date.

NOTE: First time applicants will be given priority consideration over previous grant winners.

Application due dates (postmarked)

August 31 (for courses taken between February and August); awards mailed in September

January 31 (for courses taken between September and January); awards mailed in February

Click here to download the Educational Grant application and packet of information.