Sigma Zeta Omega

Program History & Mission
 

The AKAette Scholarship Program is the signature program of Sigma Zeta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.®, which was established in 1990 in Newark, Delaware. 

 

The AKAette Scholarship Program operates under our charitable arm, Diamond State Pearls, Incorporated.®, and was developed and implemented in 2001 under the creative design of Sigma Zeta Omega member Melanie (Rogers) Wilson along with Kim Collins, Tennell (Brewington) Brown, Erika (Gibson) Wilson, Tanya (Winfield) Allen, Kimora Anderson, Dr. Yvonne Barnett, Dawn Paramore, Misty (Smith) Pearson, Candra Sudler, Yolanda (Yoesoep) Johnson and Lisa White, the current Co-Chairman. The program's mission is to enrich and motivate young women of color. The vision was and continues to be educational, personal, and cultural growth.  

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AKAette Alumni

 

We have had over one hundred and fourteen young women complete the program and a number of AKAette alumni have become members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®. Several have returned to support the program through their work with participants. This is tangible proof of the program's positive effects on young women over the years. 

 

Former program participants include Educators, Social Workers, Counselors, Medical Professionals, Entrepreneurs, Law Enforcement Officers, Wives, Mothers, and members of the Military. One of the alums of the program is currently a Delaware State Representative. These young women are positive contributors to the community with a strong work ethic and are socially conscious.

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Commitment to Service

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Over the years, the AKAettes have participated in many activities and service projects, including: 

 

• Martin Luther King Day of Service 

• Ronald McDonald House 

• The College Expo 

• Teen Empowerment Conference

• Delaware's Youth HIV Forum 

• Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated ® Youth Leadership Conference: "Man in the Mirror" 

• Adopt a Child

• American Cancer Society's Relay for Life

• Sigma Zeta Omega's Annual Kwanzaa Celebration and Easter Egg Hunt

• Food Bank of Delaware 

• Power 99 Guest DJ

• The Women's Shelter

• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated ® Day of Hope

• Newark Community Day

• The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Light the Night Walk 

• Alfred I. DuPont Hospital Child Life Activity Center

• "No More Excuses" Health and Fitness Fun Day

• Fairy Godmother Prom Dress Giveaway 

 

Each year we strive to make the program the best it can be through positive experiences and service.  

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