BAYARD RUSTIN SCHOLARSHIP
General Information
Established in 1985 on the campus of Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida, Delta Phi Upsilon Fraternity holds the distinction of being America’s first Greek-letter organization for gay men of color.
Through the years, its many chapters have become the channel through which selected college-minded gay men work to advance the mission of the fraternity.
Since its inception, Delta Phi Upsilon and its chapters has been dedicated to the encouragement of young Black gay men to return to, or enroll in a degree-seeking program at a college, university, or school.
Born out of the service efforts of the Delta Chapter in Boston, Massachusetts, the Bayard Rustin Scholarship has grown into a national award presented to deserving college-bound students across the regions of the Fraternity.
Available on both the chapter and national level, the monetary amount of the Bayard Rustin Scholarship Award varies. Awards are not renewable.
Scholarship Information
An applicant for the Delta Phi Upsilon Fraternity Incorporated Bayard Rustin Scholarship Award must be EITHER:
A college-bound male who is enrolled as a graduating high school senior at the time of application. The applicant’s unweighted cumulative grade point average must not be lower than 2.5 on a 4.0 scale for the most recent grading period/semester, OR
A male who is enrolled as a full-time student at an accredited two or four year college/university or an accredited trade school. The applicant’s unweighted cumulative grade point average must not be lower than 2.75 on a 4.0 scale for the most recent grading period/semester, AND
Must be a resident of the Greater Houston Area
Award Notification Timeline
- The scholarship deadline is June 15th, 2026.
- The application must be submitted by 11:59 PM CST.
- Scholarship awards will be presented in August 2026
REQUIRED SUPPORTING CREDENTIALS
Application - Complete applications must be submitted by June 15th. Incomplete or late applications will not be reviewed.
Transcript - Official transcripts should be sent electronically to eciotadphiu@gmail.com or mailed to 4110 Almeda #8214, Houston, TX 77004. Must be postmarked by the application deadline, June 15th.
Letters of Recommendation - All applicants must submit one academic OR professional AND one personal letter of recommendation.
Photograph - Applicants must upload one professional headshot for use in the official press release and other fraternity publications. By submitting your photograph, you agree to allow it to be used. All photographs submitted become the property of Delta Phi Upsilon Fraternity, Inc.
College Acceptance Letter - High school applicants ONLY must submit a copy of their college acceptance letter from a four-year college or university.
- Award checks will be forwarded directly to the school upon written verification from the institution that the individual has enrolled. Actual enrollment (not just acceptance) is required.
Essay - On the Bayard Rustin Scholarship Application Form, all applicants are required to submit a 300-500 word essay on the following topic:
- In describing himself, Bayard Rustin once wrote: “The principal factors which influenced my life are 1) nonviolent tactics; 2) constitutional means; 3) democratic procedures; 4) respect for human personality; and, 5) a belief that all people are one.” Which of these qualities do you think that you share with Bayard Rustin, and how have you put it into action to positively influence others
Interview - All final eligible applicants will be interviewed by the Honorary Members & Awards Committee. A representative of the Honorary Members & Awards Committee will contact finalists to schedule the interview.