The Janice Castle Trailblazer Scholarship was established in 2010, by the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, Gamma Zeta Zeta Chapter, in memory of Janice Elaine Castle. The scholarship was affectionately named the “Janice Castle Trailblazer Award” because much like the Founders of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, Janice Castle had the desire to provide true SERVICE, embrace SCHOLARSHIP, set a standard of SISTERLY LOVE and displayed FINER WOMANHOOD. She began her service with Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc as part of its auxiliary, the Amicae. While pursuing her bachelor’s degree, at The Ohio State University, she became a member of the sorority.

               Janice Castle was a 1971 graduate of Columbus East High School. She graduated from Columbus Technical Institute (now known as Columbus State Community College) in 1973 with a certification in nursing. After working over twenty-five years as a Registered Nurse, Mrs. Castle, a dedicated learner, entered Ohio Dominican University, and The Ohio State University to pursue her Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

She was a mother of three children. As a member of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, Janice faithfully served on the Deaconess board and sang in the Chancellor Choir. She exemplified the mission of the church by contributing her time, talents, influence and resources to the Nurses Corps, Educational Committee, Youth Department, Young Adult Choir and B.T.U. Choir.

               Janice Castle’s volunteerism and community involvement included: board member of the Columbus East-side Y.M.C.A., member and officer of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., Gamma Zeta Zeta Chapter, sponsor of the United Negro College Fund and volunteer for the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Breakfast. Janice Castle went on to be with our Lord on Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009, at age 55, following a courageous battle with cancer.

EVALUATION CRITERIA
Applications for the Janice Castle Trailblazer Scholarship are evaluated according to the following criteria:

1. Must be a graduating senior from Columbus Metropolitan Area, during the
2025-2026 academic year (male or female).
2. Must provide a comprehensive and complete application.
3. Must have a minimum 2.8 (C+) cumulative grade point average at the point
of application through the completion of the twelfth grade.
4. Must submit two letters of recommendation. This includes and is not limited to, supervisors, religious leaders, teachers, coaches, mentors, or counselors.
5. Must submit an official high school transcript. The transcript must have the
official schoolstamp/raised seal and counselor/administrator signature. (Electronic submissions are acceptable from the guidance counselor) If you are
participating in a college credit plus program or are taking college courses while in high school, you must submit those transcripts (official or unofficial) and current course schedules as well.
6. Must submit the written essay.
7. Must meet all required submission deadlines.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE:
All application materials must be postmarked no later than Tuesday, March 31, 2026, and returned to:
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.; Gamma Zeta Zeta Chapter
Attn: Scholarship Committee
P.O. Box 247322
Columbus, Ohio 43224-7322
Electronic applications may be sent no later than 11:59pm on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, to: Scholarship Committee at GZZscholarships@gmail.com ‪

For additional questions, please email
Applications are not considered “complete” if missing any required documents.
Incomplete or late applications will NOT be considered.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
➢ The Janice Castle Trailblazer Scholarship will be conferred based on a comprehensive and quality application with supporting documents. Awards are based on strict criteria.
Grades and test scores are considered but are not the solebasis for selection. Community service and volunteerism is heavily weighted.
➢ Scholarships range from $1,000-$2,000 each. Scholarship recipients will be notified by mail and/or email. This is a non-renewable one-time disbursement.
➢ Funds are released upon:
o Receipt of registration confirmation to a two- or four-year college/university, trade program, continuing education, or post-secondary program (*Proof of registration must be on official college/university letterhead or educational program letterhead)
o A post-secondary schedule of courses
o Submission of a final high school transcript.
➢ Scholarship checks are made payable to the student.

Please submit a 500 word essay to the proposed question.

You will also need to submit a short video (60 seconds) introducing yourself to the committee and explain how this scholarship would help further your education.

The submission should be in the format of pds, doc, txt or png.

What is a need(s) in your community and how do you plan to give back to meet the need(s) while in college/workplace and beyond to make a difference?

*High school transcripts must be provided directly from the school in a sealed envelope addressed to the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Gamma Zeta Zeta Chapter at the address indicated on page 1. The sealed high school transcript must have the school’s official raised seal/stamp to be accepted for consideration. Unofficial transcripts for dual enrollment college credit courses are acceptable. Transcripts may be emailed directly from high school counselors, school administrators, or a college advisor.

AFFIRMATION
I hereby affirm I am a graduating senior meeting all criteria set forth above. I contend all statements presented in this application are true. I have enclosed the necessary high school transcript and other supporting documentation. I am willing to provide additional information should it be required. I agree to abide by all rules and regulations governing the decision and award of the Gamma Zeta Zeta Chapter Scholarship Committee and the Gamma Zeta Zeta Education Foundation. Inc. I hereby grant permission for a representative of Gamma Zeta Zeta Chapter and/or the Gamma Zeta Zeta Education Foundation to obtain any information from my guidance counselor or school official regarding this application. I hereby understand that any information submitted falsely will result in forfeiture of the scholarship.
Applicant’s Signature & Date
Parent/Guardian Signature & Date
PLEASE NOTE: Both applicant and parent/guardian signatures are required if under 18 years old.