The Delaware Paralegal Association Scholarship (2026-2027)

The DPA Scholarship was created to help advance the paralegal profession by supporting outstanding paralegal students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, integrity, and a strong commitment to the paralegal profession.  By investing in merit and potential, the Delaware Paralegal Association seeks to encourage continued excellence and cultivate the next generation of skilled, ethical, and forward-thinking paralegals. 

Purpose

• To provide tuition assistance for individuals enrolled in paralegal studies programs.

Who is Eligible?

• A United States citizen or resident alien who has not been convicted of a felony or a crime of moral turpitude and who is currently enrolled in a paralegal program at an educational institution within the State of Delaware on a full-time or part-time basis.  The individual cannot be a disbarred or suspended attorney or individual otherwise engaged in the unauthorized practice of law. 

Amount?

• $250.00 per applicant awarded the scholarship, but can go as high as $500.00 per applicant if candidate pool warrants such action.
• This is a one-time payment; applicants may re-apply annually but there is no guarantee that previous recipients will be awarded the scholarship again.

What the funding can be used for:

• Actual costs associated with the educational institution’s paralegal program (i.e, tuition or fees associated with certificate program credits, books, and/or materials required by a course syllabus).

What the funding cannot be used for:

• Personal expenses not regulated or administered by an educational institution.

Key Dates

• Call for scholarship candidates at educational institutions within the State of Delaware – April 1, 2026
• Deadline for electronic receipt of scholarship candidate essays – May 15, 2026
• Scholarship Committee to review scholarship candidate essays – May 16-31, 2026
• Decision on scholarship candidates communicated – June 1, 2026
• Funding awarded for scholarship candidates – June 15, 2026

Required Materials

Essay: 

As part of your application, you will be asked to submit an essay of 500 words or fewer.  The essay prompt is available on the application form and your submission should reflect your dedication to the paralegal profession, highlight your initiative and accomplishments, and align with the goals of this merit‑based scholarship.  Submissions must be original, written without the use of artificial intelligence, thoughtfully composed, and carefully proofread.  

Transcript:

You will also be asked to submit an unofficial copy of your current transcript.  If you are a new student, please submit a copy of the classes you will be enrolled in next semester. 

How to Apply:

Click HERE to begin application!

Terms & Conditions

• Eligibility Requirements - Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the scholarship announcement.  This must include enrollment in an accredited institution with a declared field of study , or affiliation with a specific program or organization.  Applicants must provide accurate and verifiable information in the application.
• Accuracy of Information - By submitting an application, the applicant certifies that all information provided is truthful and complete.  Any falsified, misleading, or incomplete information will result in disqualification or revocation of the scholarship award.
• Application Deadline - All applications and supporting materials must be submitted by the stated deadline.   Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
• Selection Process - Scholarship recipients will be selected by a review committee designated by the sponsoring organization.  Decisions of the selection committee are final and not subject to appeal.
• Use of Funds - Scholarship funds must be used for educational expenses such as tuition, books, fees, or other academic costs unless otherwise specified.  Funds will be distributed directly to the educational institution.
• Verification of Enrollment - Recipients will be required to provide proof of enrollment, acceptance, or continued academic standing before scholarship funds are released.
• Publicity and Recognition - Recipients may consent to the use of their name, photograph, educational institution, and scholarship essay for promotional or informational purposes by the sponsoring organization.
• Non-Transferability - Scholarship awards are non-transferable and may only be used by the recipient named in the award notification.
• Right to Modify or Cancel - The sponsoring organization reserves the right to modify scholarship guidelines, award amounts, or cancel the scholarship program if circumstances require.
• Acceptance of Terms - Submission of the scholarship application constitutes acceptance of all scholarship terms and conditions.
• Tax Responsibility - Recipients are responsible for determining and paying any applicable taxes associated with receiving the scholarship award.
• Compliance With Institutional Policies - Recipients must comply with the policies and academic standards of their educational institution while receiving scholarship support.