POWER OF THE WRITTEN WORD

A scholarship that encourages scholars to recognize the positive role models in their lives and look to the future with optimism.

About The Power of the Written Word Scholarship

The Power of the Written Word Scholarship was launched in 2008 to encourage high scholastic achievement and promote creative and written expression among college-bound young women. Through the Power of the Written Word scholarship program, young women are challenged to define the noble and unique ideal of Finer Womanhood through examples of phenomenal women in their own lives and envisioning the women they aspire to be.

The ideal of Finer Womanhood originated in the minds of our Illustrious Founders: Arizona Cleaver Stemons, Viola Tyler Goings, Myrtle Tyler Faithful, Fannie Pettie Watts, and Pearl Anna Neal. They envisioned a quality that held Zetas to the highest standards of womanhood. A Finer Woman is a lady of high moral character, intelligence, resilience, faith and courage. It is the quality that sets Zeta women apart from all other women. Though a precept and personal foundation for the women of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Finer Womanhood is an ideal that all women should strive for. A Finer Woman spirit is reflected in a woman’s character, what she says and does, but most importantly in the way she lives daily.

Since its inception, the scholarship program has supported the educational aspirations of over 50 female scholars matriculating at various prestigious colleges/universities.

Eligibility Criteria

An eligible applicant is considered someone who meets the following requirements:

A female student in their senior year of high school;
A resident of Prince George's County, MD, daughter of a financial Tau Delta Zeta Chapter Member, or a member of the Tau Delta Zeta Archonette Club;
Pursuing acceptance into an accredited four-year college or university;
Has an overall grade point average of 2.5 (C+) or greater
Has not received any other scholarship from Tau Delta Zeta Chapter or The Distinguished Pearls Foundation

Scholarship Application Process

Review the eligibility criteria.
Prepare your materials: Review the essay prompt and write your 300–600 word essay.
Prepare your high school résumé and gather proof of community service.
Request a letter of recommendation from a high school faculty member or administrator, or a community organization representative. Recommendations will need to be submitted by the deadline.
Request your official high school transcript. Your school must email it directly to the scholarship committee and transcripts must be submitted by the deadline.
Complete the application online and prepare to submit.
Submit your application no later than 11:59pm on the stated deadline.
Reminder: Letter of recommendation and official transcript must be received by the application deadline. No exceptions. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
Application review: The Scholarship Committee will review complete applications that have been submitted on-time and will select the scholarship recipients. Selected students will receive instructions about the next steps.

Scholarship funds will be released after official proof of registration is submitted to The Distinguished Pearls Foundation, Inc. by November 1. Proof of registration must be provided on official school letterhead and include the student's ID number. Screenshots will not be accepted. Scholarship checks will be forwarded directly to the college/university and made payable in the scholarship recipient's name.

The 2027 application window will open on October 12, 2026.