Dear Scholarship Applicant:

Thank you for your interest in our scholarship! The 20 Cultured Pearls Foundation was founded by members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. chapter of Phi Psi Omega. Our mission is service to all mankind. We are happy to support high school graduating students pursuing undergraduate education.

Twenty Cultured Pearls Foundation, Incorporated, founded on May 30, 2018, is a non-profit organization under IRS section 501(c)(3). The foundation's charitable mission is to secure resources to positively impact families, promote health awareness, and foster economic empowerment. Additionally, it awards scholarships to deserving high school seniors in communities that lie in the northern section of the Interstate 275 loop in Cincinnati. 20 Cultured Pearls Foundation is pleased to announce that it will award its annual scholarships in April. The 20 Cultured Pearls Foundation Scholarship applicants must be an African-American, female high school senior who will attend a four-year college or university or a two-year accredited college in the fall semester immediately following their senior year of high school. Applicants must reside in one of the following zip codes: 45215, 45218, 45231, 45239, 45240, 45241, 45242, 45243, 45246, 45247, 45249, 45251, 45252, 45011, 45014, 45040, 45044, 45069, 45140, 45013, 45042, 45015.

All completed applications must include the following:

* Submit a completed application form

*Resume Required: Include Talents and Awards, Extracurricular, Work Experience, Personal and Volunteer Activities

* Submission of an official transcript by your school counselor including a minimum GPA of 2.75 that includes class rank, ACT and/or SAT  scores to scholarships@20cpf.org

* It is the responsibility of the applicant to secure two letters of recommendation from your teacher, counselor, principal, coach, advisor, pastor, etc. Your recommenders need to send their letter of recommendation on official letterhead to scholarships@20cpf.org

*Submit required essays, Excellence, Merit, Empowerment (A minimum of 300 words, no more than 400 words).

* Submit C. Maude Thompson Technology Essay, (A minimum of 300 words, no more than 400 words) (4-year)

* If planning to attend an HBCU, is required to submit an Essay (A minimum of 300 words, no more than 400 words) (4-year)

* Submit Kimberly D. Saxon Family Essay, Required for Marketing or STEM Engineering majors (A minimum of 300 words, no more than 400 words) (4-year)

*Each essay is scored anonymously using a blind review process in which identifying information about the applicant is removed prior to review by the selection committee.
* Each essay is graded by using a rubric.

A Guide to Preparing and Submitting Your Scholarship Essays

Please use this checklist to ensure that each scholarship essay meets the foundation’s writing, formatting, and content expectations. Your essay should demonstrate thoughtful reflection, clear communication, and a thorough response to the assigned topic.

Scholarship Essay Writing Checklist:

1. Essay Length Requirements

My essay contains a minimum of 300 words and a maximum of 400 words.

I have answered the assigned essay question completely.

I have provided enough information to explain my thoughts, ideas, and experiences in detail.

I have checked the word count before submitting my essay.

2. Essay Formatting Requirements

Font style: Times New Roman.

Font size: 12-point font.

Spacing: Double-spaced throughout the essay.

Margins: One-inch margins on all sides.

Alignment: Left-aligned text.

Heading: Each essay has a clear heading or title that identifies the essay topic.

Paragraphs: My essay is organized into separate paragraphs.

Presentation: My essay is neat, professional, and easy to read.

3. Introduction: Introduce Your Topic

I begin with an engaging opening sentence that introduces my topic.

I restate the essay question or topic in my own words to show that I understand what I am being asked to discuss.

I clearly explain the main idea or purpose of my essay.

I provide a strong introduction that encourages the reader to continue reading.

4. Body Paragraphs: Explain Your Ideas in Detail

I explain my ideas thoroughly rather than providing brief or one-sentence answers.

I provide specific examples, personal experiences, facts, or details that support my response.

I explain how and why my examples relate to the essay topic.

I describe the impact, importance, or significance of the topic when appropriate.

I use transitional words and phrases to connect my ideas smoothly.

Each paragraph focuses on a main idea that supports my overall response.

Examples of transitional words and phrases:

To begin with

In addition

Furthermore

For example

For instance

As a result

Consequently

However

Therefore

Most importantly

In conclusion

5. Conclusion: Bring Your Essay to a Close

I summarize the most important points of my essay without repeating every sentence.

I explain what I learned, how I was impacted, or why the topic matters, when appropriate.

I connect my conclusion to the main topic of the essay.

I end with a meaningful final statement that leaves the reader with a clear understanding of my message.

6. Grammar, Spelling, and Final Review

I have checked my spelling, grammar, punctuation, and capitalization.

My sentences are complete, clear, and easy to understand.

I have avoided unnecessary repetition and vague statements.

I have used appropriate language and a professional writing style.

I have read my essay aloud to check for errors and improve the flow.

I have confirmed that my essay meets the 300–400-word requirement.

I have followed all instructions specific to the scholarship essay I am submitting.

Final Reminder

Your essay is your opportunity to tell your story, explain your ideas, and demonstrate the thought and effort you have put into your response. Do not simply answer the question with a few sentences. Take the time to develop your ideas, provide meaningful details, use examples when appropriate, and explain why your response matters.

Before submitting your essay, review every item on this checklist to ensure that your work is complete, organized, and professionally presented.

*Please refrain from using AI tools when writing your essays.

* Submit and complete all information online by March 7, 2027, at 11:59 pm using the link:
 
Twenty Cultured Pearls Foundation Scholarship 2027

Applications submitted after March 7, 2027, at 11:59 pm or with incomplete information will NOT be considered. Our Scholarship Committee will only notify you if you are the recipient of an award. You will be notified in April.

We look forward to reviewing your application materials. If you have questions and need additional information, please contact the Twenty Cultured Pearls Scholarship Director, Agreta Mason at scholarships@20cpf.org or by phone 513-739-4080.


Sincerely,
Tangela Stephens, Executive Director

Agreta Mason, Scholarship Director