Power of the Written Word
(POWW) Scholarship
Purpose and Availability
The ladies of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated-Tau Delta Zeta Chapter are women committed to excellence in all areas of life. We strive tirelessly to exemplify the ideals of Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood and Finer Womanhood, as held by our illustrious Sorority.
The Distinguished Pearls Foundation, Inc., created in partnership with Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated - Tau Delta Zeta Chapter, is a charitable foundation dedicated to strengthening communities through outreach, service and promoting educational advancement in Prince George's County and surrounding communities.
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Supporting national and local programmatic initiatives, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated-Tau Delta Zeta Chapter and The Distinguished Pearls Foundation, Inc. created this essay scholarship to encourage high scholarly achievement through writing and creative expression with college-bound young women.
Through the Power of the Written Word essay scholarship, we challenge young women to define the noble and unique ideal of Finer Womanhood in relation to the examples of phenomenal women in their own lives and the women they aspire to be.
Finer Womanhood - The Ideal
The ideal of Finer Womanhood originated in the minds of our Illustrious Founders: Arizona Cleaver Stemons, Pearl Anna Neal, Viola Tyler Goings, Myrtle Tyler Faithful, and Fannie Pettie Watts. To set Zeta women apart from all other women, the illustrious founders 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.
Though a precept and personal foundation for women of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, Finer Womanhood is an ideal that all women should strive to attain; a Finer Woman's spirit is reflected in a woman's character, what she says and does, but most notably in how she lives daily.
Scholarship Awards
Scholarships will be awarded in the amounts of $3,000.00, $2,000.00, and $1,500.00.
Eligibility
An eligible applicant is considered someone who meets the following requirements:
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A high school female senior student
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A resident of Prince George's County, MD or daughter of a financial Tau Delta Zeta Chapter Member, or a member of the Tau Delta Zeta Archonette Club
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Pursuing acceptance into an accredited four-year college or university the fall after high school graduation.
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Has an overall grade point average of 2.5 (C+) or greater
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Has not received any other scholarship from Tau Delta Zeta Chapter or The Distinguished Pearls Foundation, Inc.
Notice of Nondiscrimination
The Power of the Written Word does not discriminate in its selection policy based on race, color, creed, disability, national/ethnic origin, religion, or sexual orientation.
Application Process
All information contained in this application will be considered confidential.
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Submit an online application by clicking the button below.
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Essays should be between 300-600 words in length.
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Official high school transcripts must be submitted to tdzscholarship@zphibtdz.org.
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Obtain one letter of recommendation (from a high school faculty/administrator and/or from a community organization).
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Proof of community service.
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Upload a high school resume.
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Submit a completed scholarship application and supporting documents by Friday, January 22, 2027.
Official high school transcripts must be provided directly to our email address, tdzscholarship@zphibtdz.org.
In addition, all applicants must submit their COMPLETE application packet, by the deadline date of Friday, January 22, 2027. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
Should there be any questions about completing the application, please contact tdzscholarship@zphibtdz.org.
Checklist
Include in the submission:
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Complete Online Application
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Essay
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Official high school transcripts must be submitted to tdzscholarship@zphibtdz.org by the due date
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One (1) letter of recommendation (from a high school faculty/administrator and/or from a community organization).
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Proof of community service
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A high school resume
Submission Deadline
Friday, January 22, 2027
Judging & Criteria
The Power of the Written Word Essay Scholarship Committee will evaluate essay submissions based on creativity, clarity, grammar, and format. The composition must appropriately execute the topic as mentioned above and adhere to the requested word length.
Notification
The essay winners will be notified in writing of the Scholarship Review Committee's decision by March 2027.
Scholarship Policy
Scholarship eligibility is contingent upon full-time enrollment and attendance at a four-year college or university in the fall following high school graduation. Scholarships cannot be deferred.
Applicants are responsible for promptly notifying The Distinguished Pearls Foundation, Inc. and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, Tau Delta Zeta Chapter, of their final college plans once they have selected the college or university they will attend. Upon notification from the applicant or recipient, The Distinguished Pearls Foundation, Inc. and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, Tau Delta Zeta Chapter will review the circumstances to determine whether the scholar continues to meet the scholarship eligibility requirements. If, following this review, the scholar no longer meets the established scholarship requirements, the scholarship award will be rescinded. Scholars will receive written notification of the eligibility determination.
Scholarship funds will be released after official proof of registration is submitted to The Distinguished Pearls Foundation by November 1, 2027. Proof of registration must be provided on official school letterhead and include the student's ID number. Screenshots will not be accepted. Scholarship checks are sent directly to the institution.
