Philanthropic initiative · Scholarships

Investing in education.
Investing in possibility.

Honoring a legacy of service and supporting students whose leadership is already making a difference.

Sharon Valerie Jones, attorney, advocate, and community servant — Sharon Valerie Jones, Esq.
A legacy of service, justice, and excellence.

Legacy scholarship · Established 2025

Sharon V. Jones
Memorial Scholarship

Established in 2025, this scholarship honors Sharon Valerie Jones, a dedicated attorney, advocate, community servant, and member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®.

Its founding vision centers on promising high school students who demonstrate service and leadership and have an interest in pre-law, English literature, or related fields.

Application information forthcoming

Read about Sharon’s life and legacy

A graduate of Syracuse University and New York Law School, Sharon built a legal career grounded in service. In 2004, she founded the Law Office of Sharon V. Jones, advocating for clients in landlord-tenant matters, probate and family law, real estate, and unemployment cases.

She believed everyone deserved access to justice. Her commitment extended to the Volunteer Lawyers Project and the Family Law Guardianship Clinic, and her service was recognized with the Dennis McGuire Award.

Initiated through the Iota Gamma Chapter at Northeastern University in 1977, Sharon later became a charter member of Psi Iota Omega Chapter. Her dedication to sisterhood, scholarship, and community was reflected throughout her life.

The scholarship carries that legacy forward by investing in young people who see education as a means to serve, advocate, and create meaningful change.

Pearl Scholarship

Recognizing promise.
Supporting the next chapter.

Since 2022, the Foundation has recognized young people whose academic achievement, leadership, community service, and commitment to their futures reflect our values.

What began with $625 book scholarships for seven students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities has grown into awards of up to $5,000. Our scholars have continued to HBCUs, Bridgewater State University, Wentworth Institute of Technology, Morgan State University, and MIT, among other institutions.

15Scholars supported2022–2026

$35,375In scholarships awarded2022–2026

2Current Pearl ScholarsClass of 2026

Our current class

Meet the 2026 Pearl Scholars.

Two $4,000 awards recognize two exceptional young leaders.

2026 Pearl Scholar · $4,000

Devyn Bowden

South Shore Charter Public School → Morgan State University

Devyn distinguished herself through academic achievement, leadership, service, and athletics. She organized a hygiene-kit drive to support members of her community, turning her commitment to others into practical action.

Alongside student leadership roles, she demonstrated dedication and teamwork as a three-year captain of both her volleyball and basketball teams.

As she begins her next chapter at Morgan State University, Devyn carries the spirit of the Pearl Scholarship: pursuing her goals while making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

2026 Pearl Scholar · $4,000

Julian Tavares

Brockton High School → Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Electrical Engineering & Computer Science

Julian graduated from Brockton High School with a 4.8 GPA and a Top 10 class ranking, pairing academic excellence with technical skill and service.

He repaired more than 1,200 student laptops, directly improving students’ access to the technology they needed for learning.

At MIT, Julian plans to study Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. His initiative and commitment to using his abilities in service to others embody the qualities celebrated through the Pearl Scholarship.

Carry the legacy forward

Open the next opportunity.

Support the Sharon V. Jones Memorial Scholarship Support Our Pearl Scholars

Our scholars through the years

A growing legacy of possibility.

Award amounts below reflect the scholarship received by each scholar.

2025

$4,000 per scholar

Camilla Royal
Maiya Langham

2024

$5,000 per scholar

In partnership with the Stephen Prone Foundation

Aniyah Hill
Caiden Montas

2023

$2,500 per scholar

Natalia Edwards
Kaia D. Rodrigues

2022

$625 per scholar

HBCU Book Scholars

Arimayah Williams
Janay Trench-Lesley
Kylee S. Rascoe
Nejaii Tereze-Eugene
Nya Nicole Wisdom
Alesandra Marie Powell
Michael Anthony Gantt

The 2026 celebration

Proud moments. Bright futures.

Julian Tavares and Devyn Bowden’s mother celebrate the 2026 Pearl Scholarships with Foundation representatives. Devyn’s mother accepted on her behalf after Devyn had left for college.

Julian Tavares with his $4,000 Pearl Scholarship award.

Devyn Bowden’s mother accepts her $4,000 Pearl Scholarship award on her behalf. Devyn had already left for college.

Julian Tavares speaks during the 2026 Pearl Scholarship celebration.

Help the next scholar take their next step.

Support scholarships

Investing in education.Investing in possibility.

Sharon V. JonesMemorial Scholarship

Recognizing promise.Supporting the next chapter.