POHCF SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
The Pearls of Hope Community Foundation, Incorporated (POHCF), is pleased to announce the 2023-2024 Scholarship Program! This exciting scholarship program offers scholarships ranging from $1,000-$8,000 over four years to graduating high school seniors. We are currently seeking high school seniors to apply for a variety of scholarships that exemplify our values in community service, entrepreneurship and social action, and pursuing higher education.
Students may apply for all scholarships for which they are eligible, however, any individual student will not be awarded more than one scholarship.
The below scholarship listing and checklist contain all the details you need in order to apply. Please read all information carefully and follow all instructions. The scholarship deadline is Thursday, February 29, 2024 by 11:59 PM EST. Please feel free to contact us at POHCFScholarship@gmail.com if you have any questions.
The POHCF HBCU Scholarship – $8,000
For students who plan to attend a Historically Black College or University (HBCU). Desired applicants must be able to document service-learning hours with outstanding community service; demonstrated leadership, e.g., Student Government Association officer, class president, captain of a sports team, etc. Applicants must have and maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale or 3.5 on a 5.0 scale. The HBCU scholarship is a renewable scholarship paid $2000 for the first year and $2,000 for the next three years annually, provided the student meets the stated renewal criteria while attending an HBCU.
Bernadine Pindell STEM Scholarship – $1,500
This scholarship grants a one-time award in the amount of $1,500 to a high school student who will major in mathematics, engineering or a STEM field. This scholarship award is named in recognition of Bernadine Pindell, the first President of Xi Sigma Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and a leader in her STEM career..
Community Service Award – $1,500
This scholarship grants a one-time award in the amount of $1,500 to a high school student in recognition of their considerable community service activity during high school.
The Modern Leaders Scholarship – $1,500
In order to promote community service and build tomorrow’s leaders, the Pearls of Hope Community Foundation looks to present the Modern Leaders Scholarship. This scholarship grants a one-time award in the amount of $1,500 to a high school student in recognition of their willingness to give back to their community through local activism and/or entrepreneurship, as well as their high academic performance and demonstration of leadership potential. The Pearls of Hope Community Foundation is looking for future innovators, thought leaders, change agents, and other great business ideas from the minds
of today’s youth.
Reach for Tomorrow Scholarship – $1,500
The Reach for Tomorrow Scholarship recognizes the independent hustle or self-reliance that so many young people show in the face of adversity today. This scholarship grants a one-time award in the amount of $1,500 to students that have shown remarkable character and perseverance despite personal challenges. These students have shown grit, determination, resiliency, and a need for financial assistance to continue their education after graduation.
Discovery Scholarship – $1,000
Recognizing that students have a variety of educational and career aspirations, this scholarship seeks to support students as they pursue their postsecondary education.
The Discovery Scholarship is a one-time award for a student that is following their own
path by seeking enrollment in a community college, trade or vocational school in Montgomery County.
BENEFACTOR SPONSORSHIPS
The Beatrice W. Crutchfield Scholarship – $1,000
Sponsored by Loreathea Fields and Silvia Daniels - $1,000: For a student who plans to pursue a degree in education.
The Dr. Clive Jackson Scholarship – $1,500
Sponsored by Dr. Mary Jackson- $1,500: For a student who plans to major in science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM).
The Partica Moore-Batten Scholarship – $2,000
Sponsored by Dr. Mary Jackson - $2,000: For a student who plans to major in education attending a Historically Black College or University (HBCU).
Jacqueline A. Rose HBCU Scholarship – $1,500
Sponsored by Friends & Family of Jacqueline A. Rose - $2,000: This scholarship grants a one-time award in the amount of $1,500 to a graduating high school senior who will be attending a Historically Black College or University in the fall. This scholarship award is named in memory of Jacqueline A. Rose who served in many executive positions including Fundraising Chair, Vice President, Secretary, and Scholarship Chair of Xi Sigma Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Her passion for HBCUs also led her to serve as chair of the HBCU for Life committee, bringing awareness to and raising thousands of dollars for HBCUs.
Maryland State Delegate Pamela E. Queen Scholarship – $1,000
This scholarship will be awarded to current Montgomery County high school seniors who reside in District 14 and attend Blake, Sherwood, Paint Branch, or Damascus High Schools. Students must confirm their district of residence before completing the application. This student must demonstrate outstanding academic accomplishments, community service and financial need. This student must also complete FAFSA by the March 1st deadline. The student may matriculate at any two or four-year College or University in the State of Maryland.
CONDITIONS OF AWARD
If awarded, the student must register with MDCAPS - Maryland College Aid Processing System (MDCAPS). MDCAPS is MHEC's comprehensive financial aid system that processes State scholarship applications and allocates funds to students. To use MDCAPS, you must first create a student login profile. To get started with a profile, click this link, https://mdcaps.mhec.state.md.us.
ESSAY TOPIC: Which community service project are you most proud of and why?
Please see Scholarship Application Instructions for criteria.
Scholarship Application INSTRUCTIONS
Thank you for your interest in our scholarship program. Please read all instructions carefully. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications are due no later than midnight EST on Thursday, February 29, 2024 by 11:59 PM EST. Official transcripts will only be accepted via postal mail and must be received by Thursday, February 29, 2024. The Scholarship Committee may be reached at POHCFScholarship@gmail.com with any questions.
- Applicants must be a high school senior and reside (have a home address) in Montgomery County and/or attend a Montgomery County Public School. Students who are residents of Montgomery County, may attend private school in Washington DC or another Maryland county. Montgomery County Public School students who reside outside of the county are eligible.
- Applicants must submit two (2) letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with your academic achievements, community involvement, and character. One recommendation must come from a school official such as an administrator, school counselor or academic advisor, and one from a person in the community (letters from family members are strictly prohibited) Recommendations should be signed and mailed to address listed below or emailed to POHCFScholarship@gmail.com.
- Applicants must submit by mail an OFFICIAL transcript (first quarter or semester of 12th grade) from the school registrar in a sealed envelope received by application deadline. If you receive higher grades on your transcript prior to the scheduled interview, you can resubmit your transcript for further consideration.
- Documentation of community service hours is required for the HBCU scholarship.
- Essay - Applicant will select one (1) of the following essay topics to which to respond. Each essay is limited to a maximum of 500 words.
1. What is your motivation for your major? How do you plan to support your community in the future?
2. Describe your experience in community service. Explain how you have given back, or share a project you developed to
change your community.
3. Discuss your desire or the significance of pursuing higher education and graduating from a Historically Black College or
University (HBCU). - Scholarship Application: All required materials must be submitted by Thursday, February 29, 2024, before midnight EST.
• Complete the Scholarship Application.
• Submit all required additional application materials (letters of recommendations, transcripts):- By e-mail to POHCFScholarship@gmail.com
On the scholarship application, be sure to indicate the scholarship(s) to which you are applying:
- POHCF HBCU Scholarship – $8,000 ($2000 each year, for 4 years)
- Bernadine Pindell STEM Scholarship – $1,500
- Community Service Award – $1,500
- The Modern Leaders Scholarship – $1,500
- The Reach for Tomorrow Scholarship – $1,500
- Discovery Scholarship – $1,000
- The Dr. Clive Jackson Scholarship – $1,500
- The Partica Moore-Batten Scholarship – $2,000
- Jacqueline A. Rose HBCU Scholarship – $1,500
- Maryland State Delegate Pamela E. Queen Scholarship - $1,000
- By e-mail to POHCFScholarship@gmail.com
AWARD ANNOUNCEMENT: The scholarships will be announced publicly on the Pearls of Hope Community Foundation, Inc. social media accounts and will be shared with high school senior awards committees.