The founders of Phi Beta Sigma were all educators in their own right. The genesis of the Education Program lies in the traditional emphasis that the fraternity places on Education. During the 1945 conclave in St. Louis, Missouri, the fraternity underwent a constitution restructuring which led to the birth of the Education as a National Program.

The National Program of Education focuses on programming and services to graduate and undergraduates in the fraternity. Programs such as scholarships, lectures, college fairs, mentoring, and tutoring enhance this program on local, regional and national levels.

Project S.E.T. (Sigma Education Time) is focused on increasing grade point averages and graduation rates of collegiates throughout the nation. The program aims to help with job readiness, choosing a career path (3-5 year outlook), interviewing techniques, negotiating and entrepreneurship.

The Sigma Beta Club provides mentoring, guidance, educational tutorial assistance and advise to young men between ages 6 to 18. Created in 1950, it was the first youth auxiliary group of any of the National Pan-Hellenic Council organizations.

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Omicron Zeta Sigma (OZS) Chapter is now accepting applications for the 2024 Omicron Zeta Sigma Chapter Scholarship.  This Scholarship application is open to all young men graduating from a Prince William County high schools in June 2024.  

The application and each of its components must be completed, submitted, and received by April 23, 2023. Each candidate must submit, in addition to the signed Personal Data forms, his:

1. An official Secondary School Transcript documenting the cumulative grade point average (GPA) through the 2023 – 2024 (11th grade) school year.
2. Provide two (2) Letter(s) of Recommendation
   • One (1) letter of recommendation from high school personnel
   • One (1) letter of recommendation from someone who can attest to the applicant’s community service involvement.
3. One (1) official (photocopy is acceptable) letter of acceptance/admittance from the chosen college or university.
4. Provide a five hundred (500) word essay (12 pt, Times New Roman, double-spaced) on one of the following topics on a separate sheet.

Your written responses should begin with a quality thesis statement, supporting details, correct grammar usage, conclusion, and adherence to essay formatting.

Please ensure that your responses capture your experiences and preparation in:

• Community engagement
• Leadership
• Academic achievements
• Extra-curricular activities.

Topics:

• Share your personal biography. (i.e., How has your background influenced your future aspirations? What is your potential college major and career, and why?)
• Reflect on your personal and academic journey and share. (i.e., How have you changed from Freshman year? How have community service, academic goals, and/or jobs impacted plans for college and your future career?)
• Tell us about some of your biggest challenges and how you overcame them.
• Tell us about how you plan to positively impact your community.

Students’ applications for the 2024 Omicron Zeta Sigma Scholarship will be assessed using the following Standards for Selection:

• Community Service: Participation throughout high school reflects a motivation to serve and meaningful contributions to the community.
• Leadership Roles: Examples of executive leadership positions in school, community, and athletic organizations.
• Honors and Awards: Significant international, national, state, regional, community, and school-based recognitions.
• Extracurricular Activities: Breadth and quality of activities based on hours-per-week commitment and the years involved.
• Essay: Written response with a quality thesis statement, supporting details, grammar usage, conclusion, and adherence to essay format requirements.

Select applicants will be invited to participate in a virtual interview process taking place on April 272, 2024.  The scholarship recipient(s) will be notified by phone or email no later than May 3, 2024.

If you have any questions please contact the Omicron Zeta Sigma Chapter Scholarship Committee by e-mail: Omicron Zeta Sigma.

Click the button below to complete your scholarship application online!

OZS participates in a number of education activities as part of its Education program.

Check out photos of some of those activities below (refresh the page to see different thumbnail photos or click one of the thumbnail photos to see a larger view.).  To see more photos, visit our OZS Photo Gallery.