Mission

Supporting Future Leaders to Impact Generations

The Gathering of Pearls Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded in 2020, exists to promote and provide financial support for post-secondary education. The GOP Foundation dreams of a society where students have the financial means for post-secondary education, and The National Pearl Society is honored to be its founding and enduring mission ally.


Our Foundation is deeply invested in providing essential financial resources to promising students, enabling them to achieve their educational aspirations without financial constraints. Scholarships are awarded to students who have shown a strong commitment to community service and demonstrate academic excellence and a dedication to making a difference in the world. All sponsorships help build, sustain, and ensure their success. 


In the years to come, the GOP Foundation seeks to equip post-secondary students with the information necessary to make sound financial decisions and to gather a network of community and educational partners aligned to support persistence to degree completion. Community collaborations and sponsors will be vital to this expansion.

 

Make an impact. Change a life. Influence the future.


  • Our History

    Driven by a deep commitment to education, our journey began in 2008 with the vision of empowering young women through scholarships. In 2020, we formalized our efforts by establishing a Foundation—allowing us to broaden our impact. Today, we proudly support both young men and women, continuing our goal to open doors, nurture potential, and invest in the next generation of leaders.


    Watch this video for the full history

  • Our Founder

    Dr. Donna L. Houpe is Louisianan by birth and a proud graduate of Donaldsville High School, Class of 1978. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from Southern University, graduating Magna Cum Laude. She also received a Master's Degree in Education from Louisiana State University and her Doctoral Degree in Christian Education from Faith Bible College. 


    Dr. Houpe possesses over 35 years of passionate experience for educating children. She got her start teaching in the Ascension Parrish School System after certifying at her alma mater of Donaldsville High. She taught Middle School Science at Lowery Middle School and during her tenure also enthusiastically sponsored the Choir, Cheerleading, and Dance programs of the school. 


    After 12 years of serving and teaching in Louisiana, she relocated to Kansas City, Missouri to oversee her own school. She is Executive Administrator of Harvest Christian School. It is Dr. Houpe's passion to see children challenged academically, encouraged and uplifted emotionally, and empowered by the discovery of their life's purpose at an early age. 


    Dr. Houpe has authored several literary works by way of poetry and inspirational writings for children and is adamant about children doing the same. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the proud wife of Pastor Steve Houpe of Harvest Church International Outreach, and mother of 6 children.

  • Our Board

    The volunteer board of directors of the Gathering of Pearls Foundation sets organizational policy and priorities, secures adequate resources to support the Foundation’s mission, and provides oversight for the nonprofit organization.


    Dr. Donna L. Houpe, Founder

    Marquita Miller-Joshua, Treasurer

    Rahmya Veal-Houpe, Secretary

    Linda Nixon, Board Member 

    Myrna Cannon, Board Member


  • Our Impact

    Overall Impact Report

    In an effort to support future leaders to impact generations:

    • The Foundation has provided over $150,000 in educational support since 2008.
    • 21 scholars have graduated, 85% of whom received scholarships all 4 years.   

    Yearly Scholarships:

    • 2022: 20 
    • 2023: 18 
    • 2024: 23 
    • 2025: 23 

    Demgraphics:

    • In 2022, 40% of our scholarship recipients lived in zip codes with low to moderate household income.  
    • In 2023, that figure rose to 50% of our scholarship recipients, reflecting our growing commitment to supporting students from underserved communities.

    Our scholarship recipients are on their way to realizing their dreams, all thanks to our generous donors who believe students are worthy of the scholarships they have gifted to the Gathering of Pearls Foundation.

     

STUDENT STORY

"Thank you for awarding me the GOP Foundation Scholarship! The Gathering of Pearls Foundation Scholarship was a pivotal part in financially helping me throughout my college journey. One of the most immediate impacts of the Gathering of Pearls Foundation Scholarship was the financial relief it provided by alleviating the burden of tuition fees, textbooks, and other educational expenses. The scholarship allowed me to focus more on my studies and extracurricular activities. The financial stability it provided created a conducive environment for learning and exploration, enabling me to make the most of the last year of my undergraduate experience.

I want to say thank you to The Gathering of Pearls Foundation for your support. The scholarship motivated me to strive for academic success and maintain a high level of performance and excellence in my chosen field of study. With the support of the GOP Foundation, I excelled in my coursework, earned prestigious academic accolades Phi Kappa Phi honor Society, Pi Gamma Mu International honor Society for Social Sciences, The National Society of Leadership and Success and I graduated Summa Cum Laude. The support of the Foundation has been instrumental in shaping my accomplishments during my senior year and preparing me for post-graduation endeavors."

-- Destinee S., Scholarship Recipient