The Cultured Pearl Foundation, Inc. Scholarships

The Cultured Pearl Foundation, Inc. Scholarships

Meet Past Award Recipients!

2025 Award Scholars

2024 Award Scholars

2023 Award Scholars

Meet the 2026 TCPF Scholarship Committee

  • Ingrid Aarons-Porter

    2026 TCPF Scholarship Committee Co-Chair

  • Chelsea Hughes

    2026 TCPF Scholarship Committee Co-Chair

  • Christine Howell

    2026 TCPF Scholarship Committee Member

  • Karen McLean

    2026 TCPF Scholarship Committee Member

  • Neqwuania Perry

    2026 TCPF Scholarship Committee Member

  • Kianna Thompson

    2026 TCPF Scholarship Committee Member

A Word From Our 2026 Co-Chairs

Board Of Directors

Dana Wadsworth, President

Christine Howell, Vice-President

Karen McLean, Secretary

Marissa Banks, Treasurer

Ingrid Aarons-Porter, Controller

Keolani Bradley, Director

Kia Brown-Dudley, Director

Kierstyn Harris, Director

Jasmine Shockness, Director

Advisors

Jennine Coerbell, Legal Advisor

Gen Distance, Presidential Advisor & Immediate Past President

Greetings!

The Cultured Pearl Foundation, Inc. often along with its community partner Omicron Upsilon Omega of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, provides vital local community service.  

One aspect of The Cultured Pearl Foundation, Inc.'s community service includes awarding scholarships to deserving high school students in Fairfield County who will be attending college this Fall. Please encourage your eligible high school seniors to take advantage of this opportunity.

The deadline date for submission is April 17, 2026.  A completed application consists of the following items:

1.       Application Form

2.      Official School Transcript

3.      Two letters of recommendation (submitted by student applicant)

4. Headshot image

5. A Creative Artwork (any still format - digital, painting, sketch, photo, etc.)
Theme: The Environment - Our World Around Us (Think Nature, Recycling, etc.)

The application, transcripts and letters of recommendation may be submitted at: https://www.theculturedpearlfoundation.org/scholarships

If there are any questions, please feel free to contact us at the email below.

Sincerely,

Ingrid Aarons-Porter & Chelsea Hughes

Mrs. Ingrid Aarons-Porter & Ms. Chelsea Hughes

2026 TCPF Scholarship Committee Co-Chairs

scholarship@theculturedpearlfoundation.org

Scholarship Fact Sheet

General Information

The Cultured Pearl Foundation, Inc. is currently offering 5 Scholarship Categories for 2026:

1) High School Scholarships (2) - a merit-based scholarship for senior high school students who demonstrate strong academic achievement.

2) Joyce Yerwood Scholarship (2) - Specifically for female applicants who champion community service.

3) powered by GEN NEXT real estate (1) - A student who has successfully launched a business or businesses, as a high schooler (should be a legitimate business, provable via social media or past advertising) and/or majoring in Business in College.

Eligibility

Applicants should be high school students in Fairfield County, CT.

Criteria

Applicants must

  • be enrolled full-time as a high school student

  • have a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.75 (“B-“) or better

  • show participation in volunteer, civic and community service activities  

  • demonstrate academic achievement

  • have been accepted for admission to an accredited two-year or four-year college 

Applicants should identify honors/awards received, complete the Personal Statement section of the application, submit letters of recommendation from a teacher and guidance counselor, and arrange for an official (unopened) transcript with cumulative GPA to be sent directly to the Foundation.

Selection

Application materials will be reviewed by members of the Foundation's Scholarship Committee.  Recommendations by the Scholarship Committee will be subject to final approval by the Foundation's Board of Directors. 

Award Information

The award consists of a one-time scholarship amount of $1,000 to $4,000.  Legitimate expenditures include tuition, room/board, coursework fees, books and supplies and local transportation.

Application Due Date

Applications must be electronically submitted via our website no later than April 17, 2026.  Applications submitted after this date will not be considered. Walk-in applications will not be accepted. 

Please NOTE: Failure to complete every section of the application and instructions completely and correctly will disqualify your consideration for an award.

2026 Student Scholarship Application

Each year, The Cultured Pearl Foundation, Inc. awards scholarships to college bound high school seniors throughout Fairfield County. Please find the 2026 application & instructions for submission below.