HERSTORY
The AKAette Scholarship Program is the signature program of Diamond State Pearls, Incorporated. The AKAette Scholarship Program was developed and implemented in 2001 under the creative design of Sigma Zeta Omega members Melanie Rogers along with Kim Collins, Tennel Brewington, Erika Wilson, Tanya Allen, Kimura Anderson, Dr. Yvonne Barnett, Dawn Paramore, Misty Pearson, Candra Sudler, Yolanda Yoseop and Lisa White the current
Co-Chairman.
WHO WE SERVE
The AKAette Scholarship Program is a 2 or 3-year program (depending on your entry into the program) designed to encourage & motivate participants to:
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Begin the college research and application process
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Explore cultural enrichment
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Explore visual and performing arts
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Develop communication, time management, and study skills
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Increase self and cultural awareness
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Establish a sense of pride, dignity, sisterhood, and self-respect
OVERVIEW
The AKAette Scholarship Program is honored to celebrate over 20 years of meaningful programming. The program is dedicated to motivating young ladies who are current sophomores, juniors, and seniors in New Castle County School Districts to continue their educational, spiritual, and cultural growth beyond high school. The ultimate goal is to enroll participants into a four-year college or university.
OUR PARTICIPANTS
We have had over 100 young women complete the program. Some AKAette alumni have become members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Each year we strive to make the program the best it can be through positive experiences and service.
Former program participants include educators, social workers, medical professionals, entrepreneurs, wives, mothers, and members of the Military and Delaware State Representatives.
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OUR COORDINATORS
The coordinators are a dedicated group of active members from the Sigma Zeta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. These women enthusiastically work together as a team with the AKAette committee to build, create, inspire, and encourage the hearts, minds, and souls of the young ladies enrolled in the AKAette Scholarship Program. They volunteer several hours per month to the program as they continue the mission of service to all mankind.
Interested in Becoming an AKAette?
The AKAette application process is open to young women who meet the following criteria.
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Must be a young woman in high school that is a sophomore or junior
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Must attend high school in New Castle County, Delaware
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Must attend the "Pink Pizzazz" Informational Session in the Fall semester
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Must be available every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the program year in the evenings as well as activities and community service events.
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Must participate in the annual P.L.U.S.H. Premiere
Ivy Scholarship 5K
P.L.U.S.H. Premiere
Rated PRETTY
The AKAette Scholarship Program of Diamond State Pearls, Incorporated invites you all to come RUN with us! Join us on April 27, 2025 at the Hare Pavilion in Wilmington, DE for our fundraiser 5K and 1 mile non-competitive walk.
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The proceeds from the event will benefit the AKAette Scholarship Program.
The P.L.U.S.H. Premiere is an annual pageant in June. Juniors of the AKAette Scholarship Program will vie for the titles of Miss Green, Miss Pink, and Miss Pink & Green.
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A portion of the proceeds from the event will benefit the AKAette Scholarship Program.