Our Scholarship Programs for African American Females
The PEARL Foundation, Inc. collaborates with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.®, Rho Zeta Omega Chapter, to sponsor programs serving the Cobb County/Marietta, Georgia community. In keeping with one of our basic tenets, which is to cultivate and encourage high scholastic and ethical standards, we offer several academic scholarships to advance the education of African American females graduating seniors of Cobb County or Marietta City high schools. Recipients must have demonstrated academic excellence and leadership abilities, and completed several hours of community service.
Hosting virtual and onsite award celebrations to honor our scholarship recipients allows us to not only recognize their achievements but also foster a sense of community and support among Cobb County Board of Education members, school administrators, counselors, teachers, parents, family, and friends. Together, we are dedicated to nurturing the next generation of leaders and empowering them to reach their full potential.
Since our inaugural scholarship award in 1989, we have collectively contributed over $570,400 to support African American female seniors from Cobb County and Marietta City high schools in pursuing their college dreams.
The PEARL Foundation, Inc. 2024 Scholarship Recipients
Olivia Hardman; Campbell HS, Mae Carter Danzy HBCU Award
Kendall Brisco; Harrison HS
Kennedy Connor; Hillgrove HS
Anya Ellis; Hillgrove HS
Anaya Hilson; Campbell HS
Aisha Nashiru; Campbell HS
Jordyn Russell; Pebblebrook HS
Kadin Russell; Pebblebrook HS
Taylor Weems; North Cobb HS
Zoe Willis; Harrison HS
Epiphany Wilson; South Cobb HS
Sunday Youmans; Pebblebrook HS
Scholarship Student Quotes
Payton Lucineo, 2023 Scholarship Recipient
"Receiving this scholarship has truly been life-enhancing. To update you on how I have benefited, in my first semester at KSU, I achieved President's List honors while adjusting to college life. I cannot fully express how grateful I am for the chance you have given me. Your scholarship has lightened my financial load, empowered me to focus on learning and growth, as well as the friendships I have gained with fellow recipients. I promise to make the most of this opportunity and hope I can pay your kindness forward one."
Maya Moore, 2023 Scholarship Recipient
"I got some really big news last week that I wanted to share! Spelman has a partnership with Vanderbilt School of Medicine where they choose one rising sophomore to participate in their early assurance program, and I recently found out that I was selected! What this means is that if I maintain a certain GPA, get a certain MCAT score, and complete an interview (along with going to Nashville for the next 3 summers), I will automatically have a spot in their medical school when I graduate and they will pay my medical school tuition.
I wanted to thank you and the PEARL Foundation again for all of your support and guidance so I could feel better prepared for all of these opportunities!"
Gabrielle Jones, 2020 Scholarship Recipient
"My name is Gabrielle Jones and I received the PZO Scholarship (PEARL Foundation) in 2020 from you and it completely changed my life. Because of your generosity, I was able to graduate with my Bachelor of science in media and entertainment from Kennesaw State University in 3.5 years instead of 4, work 5 internships (including one at CNN and another at Mattel), study abroad twice (to Uganda and Germany), and speak at my university's convocation. On top of accomplishing all of this, I did it all debt-free. Through your support, I did not have to take out any student loans or work a second job on top of my internship. I was able to focus on school and working toward my career path."
Paris Berrian, 2019 Scholarship Recipient
"Thanks to the funding from the PEARL Foundation, I was able to take three classes online in 2020 and fulfill all my major and minor requirements in four years. I am extremely grateful for the generosity that this foundation has shown me. I’m so thankful that I was able to attend the school that was right for me, get a great education, and be prepared for the next step towards becoming a physician scientist. I look forward to keeping everyone updated as I transition into medical school."