2026 scholarship application portal is OPEN. Apply today!
Roberta Vann and LaVerne Bagley Brown, along with several other young women from the Portland area helped to charter Oregon's first chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.® Zeta Sigma Omega Chapter has provided various services throughout the Portland community for over 65 years.
In the past 13 years, Zeta Sigma Omega and P.I.N.K. Ivy Foundation has provided over $10,000 in scholarships to young Black women attending colleges and universities across the country. Indvidual scholarship amounts vary.
Deadline – All materials must be submitted no later than Monday, April 20, 2026 at 11:59pm.
Many Historically Black College and Universities (HBCU) face funding obstacles that threaten their long-term growth and survival. Recognizing this, Zeta Sigma Omega Chapter and the P.I.N.K. Ivy Foundation, Inc. are dedicated to the financial goal of supporting students who attend an HBCU.
Individual scholarships will be awarded to students who will be attending an HBCU in the Fall of the award year. This award is merit-based, and every application will be evaluated based on the student’s academic performance, civic and personal leadership, career goals, and financial need.
Requirements
Roberta Vann was born on September 3, 1903, on a plantation in Minter City, Mississippi. When she was five, a doctor told her mother Roberta would not live to be 12. Not only was the doctor wrong, but she worked her way through college, attending Clark College in Atlanta, Georgia.
In 1949 she married Cleodis Vann Sr., and moved to Portland in 1954. Together they owned Vann & Vann Funeral Directors. Roberta Vann was known for greeting you at the door with a warm smile, giving you a hug and being very comforting. Due to Roberta Vann's dedication to her community, love for children, and commitment to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.® until her passing on April 24, 2003, the foundation is honoring her by designating one of our scholarships, "The Roberta Vann Scholarship."
Requirements
At the Pink Ivy Foundation, we are invested in your future and want to see your application shine. We know that applying for scholarships can feel overwhelming, so we’ve gathered our top professional tips and favorite external resources to help you put your best foot forward. Review these guides to ensure your unique story is heard loud and clear.
We require a number of artifacts to help us get to know you hollistically.
The Requirement: A typed, double-spaced essay (250-word minimum) covering your leadership skills, career goals, and community involvement.
Success Tip: Think of this as your "voice." Instead of just listing achievements, explain the impact they had on you. If addressing financial need, be clear about how this scholarship bridges the gap to your future goals. Use tools like Grammarly to ensure clarity and structure.
The Requirement: Two letters focused on your community impact, character, and leadership skills.
Success Tip: Choose recommenders who have seen you "in action"—coaches, mentors, or teachers. Provide them with a "Brag Sheet" (a summary of your accomplishments) at least three weeks in advance so they can write a detailed, high-impact letter for you.
The Requirement: A clear, high-quality photo of yourself.
Success Tip: First impressions matter! A professional-style photo demonstrates your readiness for the next stage of your journey.
No professional photo? No problem. If you don't have a formal headshot, you can use AI applications like Gemini. Simply upload a clear photo of yourself and prompt the service to generate a professional headshot with a neutral background and business attire.
Deadline – All materials must be submitted no later than Monday, April 20, 2026 at 11:59pm.
P.I.N.K. Ivy Foundation is dedicated to positive change through health education, youth engagement, and economic development. By partnering with the Zeta Sigma Omega Chapter and local organizations, we turn every dollar you donate into direct action—awarding scholarships and hosting vital community events.
Your donation makes this possible. Join us in building a legacy of nobility and knowledge today.