Laura Saunders graduated from Florida A&M University in 1945. She was a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, Beta Tau Zeta Chapter until 1983. Soror Saunders and six other members that lived in the South Dade Area thought it was time to charter a chapter to meet the needs of families in the various communities in South Miami-Dade County. On May 28, 1983, Mu Gamma Zeta Chapter was chartered under the sponsorship of Beta Tau Zeta. Laura served as the first Basileus.

“During the early 1980s, the national programmatic thrust focused on concerns of the black family and minorities. The “Five Point” plan included services for Haitian refugees in a project directed by Laura Saunders; training for minorities so they could qualify for public, private, and political jobs; voter registration; social action, dealing with the news media; and youth career education and development. Zetas also participated nationally in the National Assault on Illiteracy Program”. `` From Torchbearers of a Legacy: A history of Zeta Phi Beta sorority, Inc. 1920-1997, page 166.

As an educator, Laura started as an elementary school teacher. However, she retired as Principal of A.L. Lewis Elementary School. The school was re-named in her honor. From 1984 – 1988, she served as a City Commissioner in Florida City. As commissioner, she organized Team Clean, a citywide clean-up program that involved civic groups, school children and government officials.
She passed in August 1993. In her honor, the Laura Saunders scholarship was established.

Source: Soror Margaret S. Staples – Past Historian, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., State of Florida

The Laura Saunders scholarship is open to all financial undergraduate sorors of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated in the state of Florida with a 3.0 GPA or higher

• At least 2 scholarships will be awarded for $500.00 each and announced at the Florida State Leadership Conference
• The scholarship recipients will receive the award in the Summer or Fall term
• Have at least one or more semester remaining in your program
• Applications will be accepted electronically

The completed application must be received by January 5, 2026.  Please include:

• An explanation why you feel you should receive the Laura Saunders scholarship award
• A summary of your community service and your Zeta activities
• Signed recommendation letters from your (a) Undergraduate Advisor and (b) 2 active Graduate Sorors of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated 
• Professional Headshot
• Official Transcript (sealed) mail to the address below or submit an electronic secure transcipt to flascholarships@gmail.com
• Mail to:
  Johanna Jerome
  20546 N.W 11CT
  Miami Gardens, FL 33169
  

Johanna Jerome, Scholarship Coordinator
Florida State Leadership Conference

Once you've satisfied all the requirements above, you may proceed to complete the electronic form. 

 

Include the following with your application:

• An explanation why you feel you should receive the Laura Saunders scholarship award
• A summary of your community service and your Zeta activities
• Signed recommenation letters from your (a) Undergraduate Advisor and (b) 2 active Graduate Sorors of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated 
• Professional Headshot
• Offical Transcript (sealed)

 

Please provide an explanation why you feel you should receive the Laura Saunders Scholarship Award

By signing, I certify that the information provided in this application is true, complete, and accurate and that all statements and essays are my own work.  A scholarship award from the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, Florida State Leadership Conference may be denied or revoked if any information contained herein is found to be untrue.

Should I receive an award, I hereby give permission to Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, Florida State Leadership Conference to utilize my name, image and likeness with or without my name, award amount in any publicity or marketing materials.