RE: College Scholarship

Dear Counselor, Parent or Student:

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., founded in 1908 as the first African-American Greek-letter sorority, promotes high scholastic and ethical standards. It soon became America’s premiere organization for college-educated women, focusing on academic excellence and community service. The international sorority has grown to over 760 chapters, both undergraduate and alumnae.

Since 1988, the North Suburban Atlanta Chapter, Rho Zeta Omega, has actively supported the community through various service projects. One of our annual projects includes awarding college scholarships to talented area students. The PEARL Foundation, Inc., in conjunction with Rho Zeta Omega Chapter, will award 2017 scholarships based on the following criteria:

• Must be an African-American female who resides in Cobb County and attends a Cobb County High School or Marietta High School

• Must be in the graduating class of 2017• Must be a United States citizen• Must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale• Must have demonstrated leadership ability in the school and community• Must have participated in community service projects• Must show financial need• Must be available for an interview, if selected, with the Scholarship Committee.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to attend an Interviewing Skills Development Workshop sponsored by Rho Zeta Omega on March 4, 2017. Those who plan to attend must RSVP no later than February 25, 2017, at pzoscholarship@gmail.com.

• Must upload the following documents:o Completed online applicationo High school transcript sent via email to pzoscholarship@gmail.como ACT (composite score) or SAT (total score)o Two (2) letters of recommendation sent via email to pzoscholarship@gmail.como Acceptance Statemento A 500-word essay on one of the topics below. The essay must be double-spaced, using 12

point Times New Roman Font.

Scholarships Topics (Choose One)

1. As a teen growing up in today's fast-paced culture, what are some ways to increase community service participation among your peers? Please provide examples.

2. State the top three issues that should be addressed during the current U.S. Presidential Administration. State your concerns and your recommendation to address each issue.

All applications and supporting materials must be uploaded by midnight on Monday, February 20, 2017, NO EXCEPTIONS!

Counselors please encourage students to apply and feel free to make additional copies of the letter if needed. The application link will also be available at www.thepearlfoundationga.org. If you have questions, or need additional information, feel free to contact Chenedra Garnigan or Sheila Fleming via email at pzoscholarship@gmail.com.

Sincerely,

Gloria Nichols President, The PEARL Foundation, Inc.

Sheila FlemingCo-Chairman, Scholarship Committee

Chenedra Garnigan Co-Chairman, Scholarship Committee

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Student’s Name: ________________________________________________________________

Address: ______________________________________________________________________

City: _________________________________ State: __________________ Zip: ___________

Phone Number: ________________________

E-mail: ______________________________

Father’s Name: ________________________________________________________________

Address: ______________________________________________________________________

City: _________________________________ State: __________________ Zip: ___________

Phone Number: _________________________

Father’s Occupation: _____________________________________________________________

Father’s Employer: _____________________________________________________________

Mother’s Name: ________________________________________________________________

Address: ______________________________________________________________________

City: _________________________________ State: __________________ Zip: ___________

Phone Number: _________________________

Mother’s Occupation: ____________________________________________________________

Mother’s Employer: ____________________________________________________________

Number of Siblings: ____________________________ Number Currently in College: ________

To what colleges have you applied? Accepted?

Name: ____________________________City/State: __________________ ___________

Name: ____________________________City/State: __________________ ___________

Name: ____________________________City/State: __________________ ___________

What will be your major area of study? ______________________________________________

How many scholarships have you applied for? ________________________________________

List the scholarships you have already been awarded and the amount:

Scholarship Name/Provider Amount

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Employment History (if applicable):

From/ToDates Company Name Supervisor Phone Number

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

High School: __________________________________ Graduation Date: __________________

Grade Point Average on a 4.0 scale: ________ ACT Composite Score: __________

SAT Total Score: _________

Awards/Recognition Received (school, church, community, other):

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

List your Community Service activities. Include the number of hours spent on each activity.

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

References: Submit a name of a teacher, counselor, minister or extracurricular/community service activity sponsor. The person submitting this form cannot be a relative and must submit the recommendation form via email to pzoscholarship@gmail.com no later than midnight February 20, 2017.

Name Position Phone Number

______________________________ _______________________________ ______________

______________________________ _______________________________ ______________

What is the date of your high school’s Awards ceremony? ______________________________

ACCEPTANCE STATEMENT

Please read and sign: If I am selected as a recipient of a scholarship from the PEARL Foundation, Inc. and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Rho Zeta Omega Chapter, and I am also awarded the QuestBridge Scholarship (which fully funds a student's academic expenses), I agree to withdraw my acceptance of the scholarship from the PEARL Foundation, Inc. and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Rho Zeta Omega Chapter.

____________________________________            ________________________Applicant’s Signature            Date

Application Checklist

Before submitting your packet, make sure all items listed below are included:

• Completed scholarship application• The names of two persons submitting your recommendation forms • A 500-word, double-spaced essay on one of the topics below.

1. As a teen growing up in today's fast-paced culture, what are some ways to increase community service participation among your peers? Please provide examples.

2. State the top three issues that should be addressed during the current US Presidential Administration. State your concerns and your recommendation to address each issue.

• A high school transcript • A copy of your ACT or SAT test scores• Applicant’s Signature of Acceptance Statement • RSVP for Interviewing Skills Development Workshop no later than

February 25, 2017, at pzoscholarship@gmail.com.

___________________ _____________Signature Date

*Submitting the online application confirms that you are uploading all the required documents. All official communication regarding the application process will transpire via e-mail. Please ensure that the email address provided is accurate. Failure to receive email communication rests solely with the applicant.