Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Scholarship Programs

Historical Overview

Founded at Howard University in 1908, Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) is the first historically Black Greek-letter sorority. From its earliest days, the organization has recognized education as a pathway to social uplift. In 1933 the sorority established its first formal scholarship, and since then more than 100,000 scholarships have been awarded to students worldwide. The scholarship program reflects AKAs core values of sisterhood, scholarship, and service, and it continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of todays students.

Core Objectives

• Financial Support: Reduce the economic barriers that prevent highpotential students from completing their degrees.
• Leadership Development: Encourage recipients to become active community leaders and mentors.
• Academic Excellence: Reward consistent academic performance and a commitment to lifelong learning.
• Service Commitment: Foster a spirit of service that reflects the sororitys motto, Service to All Mankind.

Types of Scholarships

Undergraduate Scholarships

These awards target students pursuing associate, bachelors, or vocational degrees. Eligibility generally requires a minimum 3.0 GPA, active involvement in community service, and a demonstrated commitment to the sororitys ideals.

Graduate & Professional Scholarships

Aimed at students earning masters, doctoral, or professional degrees (law, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy). Applicants must show research experience or a clear plan for how their field of study will benefit the broader community.

International Scholarships

Open to AKA members or children of members studying abroad. These scholarships assist with tuition, travel, and living expenses for programs in Europe, Africa, the Caribbean, and Asia.

Leadership Scholarships

Presented to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership within AKA or other organizations. Recipients are often asked to mentor future scholars or lead service projects.

Eligibility Requirements

While each scholarship has its own specific criteria, the following baseline requirements apply to most AKA awards:

• Must be a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, a child of a member, or a nonmember who meets the sororitys community service standards.
• Maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent).
• Enroll in an accredited institution of higher learning in the United States or an approved international school.
• Demonstrate a record of civic engagement, leadership, or community service.
• Submit an official transcript, letters of recommendation, and a personal essay describing career goals and how the scholarship will help achieve them.

Application Process

1. Research the Available Awards

Visit the official AKA scholarship page, review each awards description, deadline, and required documents. Note that some scholarships are regionspecific, so verify you are applying to the correct version.

2. Gather Supporting Materials

• Official academic transcripts (unofficial may be accepted for the initial review).
• Two to three letters of recommendationideally from a faculty member, work supervisor, or sorority mentor.
• A personal statement (500800 words) outlining your academic journey, career aspirations, and commitment to service.
• Proof of AKA membership or eligibility (membership card, birth certificate, or affiliation letter).

3. Complete the Online Application

Most scholarships use the AKA eportal. Fill out each field accurately, upload PDFs of supporting documents, and doublecheck for spelling or formatting errors. Incomplete applications are disqualified.

4. Submit Before the Deadline

Deadlines range from early winter (January) for springsemester awards to late summer (August) for fallsemester scholarships. Late submissions are rarely considered, so set a personal deadline a week before the official date.

5. Follow Up

After submission, you will receive a confirmation email. The review committee may contact you for additional information. Respond promptly to keep your application active.

Benefits of Receiving an AKA Scholarship

• Financial Relief: Direct tuition assistance, textbook stipends, or livingexpense grants.
• Mentorship: Access to a network of past scholars and senior sorors who provide academic and career guidance.
• Professional Development: Invitations to conferences, leadership workshops, and networking events.
• Recognition: Scholarship award ceremonies, press releases, and inclusion in AKAs alumni directories.
• Community Impact: Many awardees commit to service projects that give back to their campuses and neighborhoods.

Success Stories

Maria Johnson, Class of 2022 Graduate Scholarship
Maria, a child of an AKA member, used the graduate award to fund her masters in Public Health. She now leads a community health initiative that reduces diabetes rates in her hometown.

David Lee, Class of 2020 International Scholarship
David received support to study environmental engineering in Kenya. Upon returning, he partnered with local NGOs to develop renewableenergy solutions for rural schools.

Angela Brown, Class of 2023 Leadership Scholarship
Angelas project focused on STEM outreach for middleschool girls. The scholarship enabled her to expand the program to three additional schools, inspiring over 500 students.

Tips for a Strong Application

• Start Early: Give yourself ample time to collect transcripts and request recommendation letters.
• Tailor Your Essay: Align your personal narrative with the specific mission of the scholarship you are applying for.
• Show Impact: Provide concrete examples of community service or leadership, quantifying outcomes when possible.
• Proofread: Grammatical errors or typos can distract reviewers; ask a trusted mentor to review your materials.
• Follow Instructions: Adhere to word limits, file formats, and any additional documentation required.

Resources & Contact Information

For the most current scholarship listings, application calendars, and detailed eligibility criteria, visit the official Alpha Kappa Alpha scholarship portal:

AKA Scholarship Page

If you have questions about a particular award, you may contact the Scholarship Services Office:

• Email: scholarships@aka1908.com
• Phone: (202) 5550123 (MondayFriday, 9am5pm EST)
• Mailing Address: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., 5000 Dorsey St., Washington, DC 20001