The Pearls of Hope Community Foundation, Incorporated (POHCF), is pleased to announce the 2024-2025 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 Friday, February 28, 2025 by 11:59 PM EST. Please feel free to contact us at POHCFScholarship@gmail.com if you have any questions.
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.
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..
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sponsored by Loreathea Fields and Silvia Daniels - $1,000: For a student who plans to pursue a degree in education.
Sponsored by Family and Friends of Ayanna Cray-Prather - $1,000: This scholarship is named in memory of Ayanna Cray-Prather, a beautiful young woman that had a passion for education. This scholarship grants a one-time award in the amount of $1,000 to a high school student that has a similar passion and plans to major in Education. Applicant can attend the College or University of choice in the Fall. The student must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale or 3.5 on a 5.0 scale.
Sponsored by Dr. Mary Jackson- $1,500: For a student who plans to major in science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM).
Sponsored by Dr. Mary Jackson - $2,000: For a student who plans to major in education attending a Historically Black College or University (HBCU).
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.
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.
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 Friday, February 28, 2025 by 11:59 PM EST. Official transcripts will only be accepted via postal mail and must be received by Friday, February 28, 2025. The Scholarship Committee may be reached at POHCFScholarship@gmail.com with any questions.