Scholarship Fund
The purpose of this scholarship is to provide financial support for African American students pursuing post-secondary education.
Our greatest interest is students who wish to enter the field of education and/or are 1st generation college students, although all qualified applicants may apply.
Scholarships will be awarded on an annual basis and disbursed to the educational institution in August.
Students must re-apply annually and can do so for up to four years if the student is making progress towards earning a degree. Progress towards earning a degree includes: a minimum of 6 credit hours per semester or its equivalent, C or higher in every class, in good standing with the educational institution, enrolled for the next semester/term, and other criteria as determined by the Board. All applicants must include a current transcript indicating their cumulative GPA.
The GOP Foundation awards scholarships in 2 categories:
First Year Scholarship – awarded to students who are receiving this scholarship for the first time
Finish Strong Scholarship – awarded to students who have received this scholarship before
Eligibility Requirements
The students eligible for this scholarship must:
- Be African American young man or woman
- Be a resident of Kansas City, Missouri or Kansas City, Kansas or surrounding areas within a 60-mile radius
- Demonstrate a desire to pursue higher education, and have been accepted or are currently enrolled at a two-year or four-year college or university, a vocational/technical school or certificate program
- Be a high school senior or undergraduate student
- Have a 2.7 or higher cumulative GPA
Submission Requirements
Before beginning the application, please ensure that you have the required information and files ready for submission:
- Typed 500-word essay responses to the following questions:
- Please tell us why you feel you should be awarded this scholarship?
- What are your Career Goals?
- In a brief statement, describe how you plan to give back to your community after graduation?
- What entrepreneurial endeavors are you interested in or what established business have you already created?
- Photo
- Recommendation letter
- Transcript
Recommendation letters and transcripts can be copied and pasted or uploaded. Please do not attach links to Recommendations or Transcripts as some of those are set to expire or require access permissions.
Once the application is submitted, it cannot be edited. Incomplete or unsubmitted documents with applications will NOT be reviewed. Please do not submit more than one application per student.
Application Deadline
The application opens on November 15th and must be submitted online by January 31st.
School Counselors, PLEASE feel free to pass our website link for the online application process to qualifying students.
Selection Process
Awards are made exclusively from the determination of the Selection Committee and upon approval by the Board. Our Selection Committee objectively analyzes each applicant against a set of criteria arriving at a consensual decision to select each winner that meets our mission and vision criteria. In evaluating applicants, the student’s response to the essay questions in the scholarship application will be a determining factor.
The award amount is based on yearly funding and typically ranges between $1000-$2000.
Recipients will be invited to a Scholarship Brunch for the applicants and families on the 1st Saturday of June. Recipients must be present at the scholarship award brunch to receive their award; if they are not able to attend, they will no longer qualify for the award. Upon notification, recipients will receive a complimentary ticket to the Brunch.
Notifications go out the first part of April.
Past Recipients
Graduates
Rebekah Covington 2012 2018
Rahmya Veal-Houpe 2012 2018
Asriel Brown 2014 2018
Lynesia Taylor 2015
Nyshele Posey-Lawson 2017 2019
Raven New 2018
Mauricia Smith-Miller 2018 2021
Teaira Miller 2018 2019
Teyana Miller 2018
Lisa Covington 2019 2022
Taylor Hammonds 2019 2021
Myia Dickerson 2019
Mycah Williams 2020
Jasmine Matthew 2021
Alexis Russ 2021
Micaela Dickerson 2023
Kiyah Thomas 2023
Victoria Goudeau 2023
Tiffany Hughey 2024
Destinee Smith 2024
Monet Spencer 2024
2024 Recipients
Aaliyah Pickett
Amaris Stephenson
Aryana Derritt
Autumn Redes
Baylen Brown
Chans McGrew
Caia Johnson
Connor Beard
Darrell Wabo
Naomi Kabuya
Jackson Winsett
Jade Kennedy
Jaleeya Amerison
Jaiden Maltbia
Jehaan Munye
Leah Kabuya
Madison Lyman
Mishanti Johnson
Monique Fiagan
Riyan Jones
Tamaira Clark
Victoria Rollins
Questions
Submit questions to application@gopfnd.org
STUDENT STORY
“Receiving the Gathering of Pearls Foundation scholarship has made many impacts on my life for the past two years. However, I would like to say that the greatest impact this scholarship has had on me is the GOP community. The community is all of the wonderful people I have met from getting this scholarship. They made an environment where I feel seen, heard, and valued.
I am appreciative of the GOP because they have made it possible for me to pursue a career as a chiropractor. A few of these chances include networking, having excellent conversations, choosing from a variety of internships, and, most importantly, learning more about how we can improve our community. Throughout my time being a scholar for the GOP, I know that I always have someone to motivate me to continue my studies at my university. With the GOP, I know that I will always have another supportive family at heart.”
--Jade K., Scholarship Recipient 2023 & 2024
