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Founded in 1908 at Howard University, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® is the oldest Greek-letter organization established in America by African-American college women. Since its founding, the sorority has flourished into a globally-impactful organization of over 270,000 college trained members, bound by the bonds of sisterhood and empowered by a commitment to servant-leadership that is both, domestic and international in its scope.

York County Pearls of Promise Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization Omega Tau Omega Chapter is an alumni chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, serving the Fort Mill, SC area and Upper and Far Western York County, SC since 2017. Both organizations are dedicated to promoting high scholastic and ethical standards through service and scholarship.

Requirements & Eligibility

Updated information for Requirements & Eligibility:

Applicant must be a May or June 2026 graduating African American male or female high school senior.
Applicant must be planning to attend an accredited college, university, or other higher learning institution. Scholarship recipients must provide proof of acceptance and enrollment before funds are disbursed to the student.
A minimum 2.5 grade point average on a 4-point scale (unweighted) is required.
Scholarship winners must attend their school’s end of year award’s ceremony.

Scholarship Award Categories

The York County Pearls of Promise Foundation and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Omega Tau Omega Chapter Scholarships are supported by the fundraising efforts of the organizations members. The recipients of these scholarships will be awarded financial support to be used towards educational expenses.

Scholarship Categories

OTO/YCPOP Service Area: This scholarship is awarded to two (2) high school seniors that attend Nation Ford High School, Catawba Ridge High School, Fort Mill High School, and/or Clover High School.

Community Service: This scholarship is awarded to two (2) high school seniors who have made a major impact in the community by completing 200, or more, hours of community service.

Service to All Mankind: This scholarship is awarded to one (1) high school senior who is committed to making a positive impact on their communities through their chosen field of study. Eligible students may pursue degrees in service-oriented areas such as education, healthcare, or social work, as well as disciplines within science, technology, engineering, the arts, or mathematics (STEAM).

For the Culture: This scholarship is awarded to one (1) high school senior who is planning on attending an HBCU.

Prestigious: This scholarship is awarded to one (1) high school senior exhibiting literary excellence by achieving the highest essay score, based on a pre-defined rubric (recipients selected by committee).

Application Process

The application packet must include the following:

A completed 2026 OTO Scholarship Application
Evidence of a minimum of 20 community service hours over the past year
The applicant’s official high school transcript
Two (2) letters of recommendation, as indicated on application form
A typed essay, as indicated on the application form
A wallet size photograph
Selection of one scholarship category

The application process begins December 1st and ends on April 1st.

All application packets must be emailed by April 1, 2026. Incomplete or late application packets will not be considered.

Please email application packet to:
Omega Tau Omega Chapter
Attn: EAF/Scholarship Committee Chairman
scholarships@akasinfortmill.com