Scholarship Information

Ivy Pearl Foundation

The Ivy Pearl Foundation is a 501(C)3 organization serving Evanston and Greater North Shore communities. The Foundation annually provides academic awards to high schools and colleges in our services area.  In addition to financial awards, the foundation also hosts annual events to celebrate and support scholars. The foundation strives to develop and maintain a relationship with scholars during their college experience.

The Ivy Pearl Foundation, Incorporated (IPF), is pleased to announce its Scholarship Program. In 2026, this exciting scholarship program offers scholarships ranging from $1,00 - $10,000 over four years to graduating high school seniors. We are currently seeking high school seniors to apply for a variety of scholarships that exemplify our values in community service, entrepreneurship, and social action, and pursuing higher education.

Scholarship Application
 

Scholarship Award Descriptions

  • For a male or female student who plans to attend a Historically Black College or University (HBCU). Desired applicants must be able to document service-learning hours with outstanding community service and demonstrated leadership, e.g., Student Government Association officer, class president, captain of a sports team, etc. Applicants must have and maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale or 3.5 on a 5.0 scale. The HBCU scholarship is a renewable scholarship paid $2000 for the first year and $2,000 for the next three years annually, provided the student meets the stated renewal criteria while attending an HBCU.

  • IPF is offering the Janice S. Jones Academic Achievement Award specifically to a female high school senior planning to attend a four-year college or university. This award is given to a young woman who has a commitment to study and help alleviate problems concerning African American girls and women in order to improve their social stature. Applicants must have and maintain a 3.0 GPA.

  • Recognizing that students have a variety of educational and career aspirations, this scholarship seeks to support students as they pursue their postsecondary education. The IPF Recognition Award is a one-time award for a male or female student who is following their own path by seeking enrollment in a 2 or 4-year college or university, trade, or vocational school. Applicants must have a 2.5 GPA.

  • This scholarship grants a one-time award of $1,000 to a female student who has shown remarkable character and perseverance despite personal challenges or disability. These students have shown grit, determination, resiliency, and a need for financial assistance to continue their education after graduation. Applicants must have a 2.5 GPA.

 

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

To be eligible for these scholarships, students must be high school seniors, reside (have a home address) in Evanston or the Greater North Shore communities, and/or attend a high school in Evanston or the Greater North Shore communities.  Scholarships require a 2.5 minimum GPA. Please read the instructions carefully for the different requirements.

ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION 

REQUIRED ESSAY TOPICS: Essay prompts vary by scholarship.  Please see the scholarship description for criteria. 

Note: All students who are awarded scholarships will be required to submit proof that they meet all requirements for the scholarship, including residency, college enrollment status for Fall 2026, and high school GPA, before scholarships are released to the student.

Available Scholarships for High School Seniors

On the scholarship application, be sure to indicate the scholarship(s) to which you are applying: 

  • Janice S. Jones Academic Achievement Award - $10,000 ($2500 each year, for 4 years)

  • Earlene Fleetwood HBCU Scholarship - $8,000 ($2000 each year, for 4 years) 

  • Ivy Pearl Foundation Recognition Award - $1,000

  • The Helen Cromer Cooper Award - $1,000 

 

Scholarship Application Instructions

Thank you for your interest in our scholarship program. Please read all instructions carefully.  Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications are due no later than 11:59pm CST on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Official transcripts will be accepted via email and must be received by Wednesday, April 15, 2026. The Scholarship Committee may be reached at  IPFDCOScholarship@gmail.com  with any questions. 

1. Applicants must be high school seniors and reside (have a home address) in and/or attend high school in Evanston or one of the Greater North Shore communities. 

2. Applicants must submit two (2) letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with their academic achievements, community involvement, and character. One recommendation must come from a school official, such as an administrator, school counselor, or academic advisor, and one from a person in the community (letters from family members are strictly prohibited). 

3. Recommendation letters should be signed and emailed to IPFDCOScholarship@gmail.com . 

4. Applicants may submit an unofficial school transcript with the application.  If selected, you will be required to provide an official transcript.  

5. Documentation of community service hours is required for the Earlene Fleetwood HBCU Scholarship and  Janice S. Jones Academic Achievement Award.

6. Essay - Applicant must submit the required essay prompt for the scholarship they are applying for. Each essay is limited to a maximum of 700 words.  The use of any artificial intelligence (A.I.) Generative technologies or software to complete any section of the application is expressly prohibited. The application serves as a chance for the committee to learn more about you, your accomplishments, and your goals (who better to write about these topics than YOU).                                                          

7. Scholarship Application: All required materials must be submitted by Wednesday, April 15, 2026, and no later than 11:59pm CST.

Thank you for your interest in the Ivy Pearl Foundation, Inc. 

Scholarship Program!