Jarvis Christian University is pleased to announce an exciting scholarship opportunity for students in partnership with the Pearls by the Lake Foundation and the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, Alpha Alpha Omicron Omega Chapter. The 2025 Demekia Carter-Merritt Scholarship honors the life and legacy of Jarvis alumna Demekia Carter-Merritt, a beloved member of the Pearls by the Lake Interest Group and a dedicated member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®.
This $500 scholarship is intended to support the educational pursuits of Black and African American students enrolled at either Jarvis Christian University or Southwestern Christian College. The memorial scholarship is a tribute to Demekia’s commitment to excellence, service, and education, and seeks to carry forward her legacy by empowering the next generation of student leaders.
The Demekia Carter-Merritt Scholarship is a merit-based, non-recurring, and non-transferable award that must be used during the 2025–2026 academic year. Eligible applicants must currently be enrolled in a two-year or four-year degree program at Jarvis Christian University or Southwestern Christian College, possess a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75, and identify as Black or African American. Students are required to submit a completed application, official transcript, a current photo, and a thoughtful essay on the theme: “What does community service mean to you now and what do you think it will mean after college?”
Applications must be submitted electronically by April 20, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. to the Pearls by the Lake Foundation at pbtlfoundation@gmail.com. The scholarship recipient will be selected by May 1, 2025, and will be notified via email no later than May 5, 2025.
In alignment with the values of Jarvis Christian University, this scholarship underscores the importance of academic achievement, community service, and cultural heritage. It also reflects the university’s ongoing commitment to supporting students in meaningful and transformative ways.
Interested students are encouraged to reach out to their academic advisors or campus scholarship offices for a copy of the application or additional information. The application is also available directly from the scholarship committee by emailing pbtlfoundation@gmail.com with the subject line “Attention Scholarship Committee Chairmen.”
Jarvis Christian University thanks the Pearls by the Lake Foundation and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, Alpha Alpha Omicron Omega Chapter for their continued support of our students and the legacy of Jarvis alumni like Demekia Carter-Merritt. We encourage all eligible students to apply and take full advantage of this opportunity.
For questions or additional details, please email the Pearls by the Lake Foundation at pbtlfoundation@gmail.com.
Let us honor the legacy of a distinguished alumna by continuing her commitment to education, service, and community uplift.
