January 5, 2026
To Counselors, Parents, and Prospective Scholarship Applicants:
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, is the first African American Sorority, founded in 1908. The sorority has an established tradition of rewarding students who have the intellect, as well as the desire to pursue a higher education.
In 2026, the Ivy Enrichment Fund, Incorporated, the charitable arm of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Pi Iota Omega Chapter, will continue to support the academic efforts of our youth, by awarding scholarships to local area high school seniors. Our scholarships are targeted to, but not limited to African American students who have demonstrated exceptional merit, academic achievement, citizenship, and commitment to service throughout their school and community. We look forward to receiving applications from students who aspire to challenge their minds at an institution of higher learning.
Sincerely,
Sheila Giddings, President, Pi Iota Omega Chapter
Renada Lewis, Executive Director, Ivy Enrichment Fund, Inc.
Gwendolyn Parris, Scholarship Committee Co-Chairman
Lori Hardy, Scholarship Committee Co-Chairman
2026 Scholarship Summary and Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must be a 2026 graduating high school senior with the following:
● Applicant must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale or equivalent.
● Applicant must be enrolling as a fulltime student in an accredited college or university for the 2026-2027 school year.
● Applicants must be a resident of Greenburgh, Elmsford, White Plains, Valhalla or Sleepy Hollow School Districts in Westchester County.
● Applicant must adhere to the application filing deadline of March 1, 2026.
● All required recommendation letters must be submitted via email to PIOScholarship@gmail.com no later than the application filing deadline of March 1, 2026.
Additional notes
● Interviews will be scheduled for qualified applicants in March, 2026.
● Awards ceremony will be held in June for scholarship recipients.
Checklist
❏ Submit completed application
❏ Submit a recent official transcript * must include 9th grade through 1st semester of your senior year.
❏ Submit one (1) letter of recommendation from your school Guidance Counselor.
❏ Submit one (1) letter of recommendation from your community service program. (Employer or Supervisor)
❏ Resume or listing of Extracurricular Activities, Community Service, Awards/Honors, Employment history.
❏ Essay
❏ Submit a current photo
*Please note that incomplete applications will not be considered.*