2026 Scholarships

Our 2026 scholarship applications are now open!  

We’re thrilled to support students on their academic journey.  

Pearls and Ivies Serving Montclair, NJ and Beyond Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Omicron Xi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®.   

Founded in 2017, the Foundation strives to make a meaningful impact through scholarship opportunities for deserving students within the local community.  By supporting college-bound students in their academic pursuits, we aim to remove barriers to education and empower the next generation of leaders. 

2026 Scholarship Eligibility:

Scholarship applications are open to high school seniors who: 

• Attend one of the following high schools:  Belleville, Bloomfield, Caldwell, Cedar Grove, Glen Ridge, Montclair, North Caldwell, West Caldwell, Nutley, Verona, West Essex, Essex County Vocational-Tech, Lacordaire Academy, Montclair Kimberley Academy, and Mount St. Dominic Academy. 
• Are accepted to and are enrolling in an accredited 4-year college or university in Fall 2026. 
• Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0. 

The 4 Scholarship Categories:   

1. HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) Scholarship 

• This scholarship will be awarded to applicants who have been accepted into and plan to attend a historically Black college or university. 
• The letter of recommendation may be provided by a teacher or guidance counselor. 

       2. Community Service Scholarship 

• This scholarship seeks applicants who have made meaningful contributions to their communities and demonstrated leadership through service. 
• The letter of recommendation should specifically address the applicant’s role, impact, and dedication in their community service activities. 

      3. STEAM Scholarship (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) 

• This scholarship is open to applicants who plan to enroll in a STEAM major at an accredited college or university. 
• The letter of recommendation must come from an Art, Math, Science, or Technology teacher. 

      4. The Doris H. Coleman Butterfly Book Scholarship   

The Doris H. Coleman Butterfly Book Scholarship is established by the family of the late Doris H. Coleman to honor her passion for butterflies that brought beauty and joy to her flower and vegetable gardens each summer. Doris found great happiness watching butterflies flutter among her plants, whether she was tending her garden or relaxing on her front porch. 

Doris was initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated at South Carolina State University. She proudly served as a charter member of the Omicron Xi Omega Chapter and was later recognized as a Golden member of the sorority. Her commitment to scholarship and service continues to inspire the spirit of this award. While preference is given to students attending South Carolina State University, Doris’s alma mater, all applicants who embody her dedication and values are welcome to apply. 

Applicants must fulfill the following criteria: 

• Submit an autobiographical sketch or resume that highlights your achievements and community service. 
• Include a written statement detailing how you have succeeded despite challenges. 
• Provide a letter of recommendation from a teacher or guidance counselor. 

Get Ready to Apply - Application Requirements 

Each application must include:   

• An official school transcript   
• One (1) letter of recommendation from the current academic school year   
• The specific type of recommendation is referenced in each scholarship description 
• Copy of College Acceptance Letter 
• A Personal Statement   
• Not to exceed 750 words  
• Should reflect your own thoughts.  Please refrain from relying on AI-generated content.   
• The topic of the essay is your choice, but potential examples are:  
• What are the unique advantages of attending an HBCU? 
• How did you determine your field of study? 
• Who is your biggest role model and why? 
• What experiences shaped your educational aspirations? 
• In what ways have you demonstrated leadership in school 
• How will you use your education to make a positive impact on your community? 
• A copy of the applicant’s Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)/Student Aid Report (SAR) to demonstrate financial need 

Chosen applicants must also attend a short in-person interview. 

Those awarded scholarships are required to attend the Foundation’s annual scholarship awards ceremony. The ceremony will occur in June, with details regarding the date, time, and location to be provided for successful candidates. 

Deadline for all Information: 

Completed applications are to be submitted by April 25, 2026.  Incomplete submissions will not be reviewed.
 

Please direct questions or concerns to Julie Owens, Scholarship Committee Chairman at oxoscholarship@gmail.com