Nearly 400 college students have received scholarships totaling $578,00 from local Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority graduate chapters. The sorority’s eight Indiana chapters collectively awarded $49,000 in scholarships.
AKA was founded in 1908 at Howard University in Washington D.C. and is the nation’s first and oldest Greek organization established by African American college-educated women. The scholarships awarded for the upcoming school year will encourage life-long learning and provide financial assistance to college bound students.
“The founding members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority recognized the importance of education, especially during a time within our nation’s history where racial and economic factors limited academic opportunities,” said Kiahna W. Davis, Alpha Kappa Alpha’s 31st Central regional director. “More than 115 years later, rising tuition costs continue to be a barrier for some students. We hope the scholarships awarded throughout Central Region will lessen the financial burden for the recipients and their families.”
Central Region chapter scholarships are funded through individual AKA donations and fundraisers held throughout the year. The sorority is accepting donations to provide future scholarships for Central Region students, fellowships and funds for community initiatives supported by the organization. Donate at donate.akaeaf.org.
Contact staff writer Jayden Kennett at 317-762-7847 or by email jaydenk@indyrecorder.com. Follow her on Twitter @JournoJay.