The DC Pearls III Foundation, in partnership with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, Rho Mu Omega Chapter, is proud to offer college scholarships to graduating high school seniors in Washington, D.C. These scholarships are designed to support students who plan to attend Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) as full-time freshmen.*
Each year, the Foundation awards multiple scholarships—both one-time and renewable—to help ease the financial burden of higher education. Beyond financial assistance, the program is committed to developing future leaders who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and a strong dedication to community service.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for a DC Pearls III Foundation scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident
- Be a resident of the District of Columbia and a graduating high school senior attending a public, private, or charter school in Washington, D.C., with an expected graduation date between May 2026 and August 2026. (Note: This requirement does not apply to Legacy Award applicants.)
- Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
- Demonstrate academic achievement (submission of an official transcript is required)
- Demonstrate leadership and a commitment to community service
- Be accepted to and plan to attend a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) as a full-time, on-campus freshman in Fall 2026. (Note: This requirement does not apply to Legacy Award applicants.)
Required Application Materials
- Personal Statement - A 300–500-word statement introducing yourself to the Scholarship Committee and explaining your financial need
- Essay Responses - A 300–500-word essay for each scholarship application. Essay questions can be found here.
- The following materials must be submitted through personalized links provided after the application is submitted:
- Counselor Verification Form
- Official Transcript - Must include the school’s seal or be sent via National Student Clearinghouse Transcript Services. Clearinghouse transcripts may be sent to: scholarships@rhomuomega.org)
- Two (2) Letters of Recommendation - may include, but not limited to, letters from teachers, mentors, community leaders and religious leaders
Please click for Scholarship Details.
ALL APPLICATIONS AND MATERIALS MUST BE RECEIVED ELECTRONICALLY BY SUNDAY, MAY 3, 2026.
Incomplete and late applications will not be considered.
For additional information or questions please email Scholarships@rhomuomega.org with the Subject line: HBCU Scholarship Application Question