The Ebony Pearls Foundation of San Diego

The organization, in conjunction with the San Diego Graduate Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., sponsors the annual Ebony Pearls Youth Leadership Academy program. This six-month program provides high school students ages 16-19 with opportunities to develop leadership skills, participate in cultural awareness programming, engage in community service projects, and gain mentoring and exposure to college life. The program motivates and inspires students to become ethical leaders who make a positive difference. Benefits include leadership development, community building, academic and professional mentoring, and participation in enriching service projects. Each year, the organization also hosts an academy gala for program participants which includes dinner and presentations.

The organization runs economic, financial literacy, and social justice programs to improve the community. The economic and financial literacy programs engage with youth and others to promote economic security and financial skills. The organization acts to alleviate homelessness and improve quality of life by building relationships with community partners to assist those in need, as well as supporting minority and women-owned businesses. The social justice programs provide financial and active support for local organizations such as schools, libraries, the NAACP, and Urban League, while also participating in Get Out The Vote campaigns. Members help provide forums to educate voters. Through these economic empowerment, literacy, community assistance, and social justice programs, the organization aims to build a more equitable and civically engaged community.

The organization's scholarship program provides financial support for college expenses to high-achieving high school students in San Diego County who demonstrate academic excellence, community involvement, and leadership potential. During the reporting period, the organization granted scholarships and prizes to 30 students to assist with college costs. The organization also hosted an annual Scholarship Reception where scholarship recipients were presented with their awards and received recognition of their accomplishments.