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Epsilon Phi Zeta
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SCholarship Information
The Epsilon Phi Zeta Educational Foundation is pleased to offer $1,000 merit-based scholarships to high school applicants who meet the established eligibility criteria. In addition, we are proud to present the Nettie Backstrom Memorial Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Scholarship, valued at $1,500 and a $1,000 scholarship in honor of Dr. Norma Cole Ayers.
The HBCU Scholarship is in honor of Soror Nettie Chase Backstrom, a proud HBCU graduate of Houston College for Negroes (now known as Texas Southern University). She wore many hats as a Teacher, Librarian, Counselor and Educator in the Oakland Unified School District for more than 30 years and possessed a commitment to furthering the educational pursuits of African American students in the Oakland Community. She was a “Finer” woman of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, for 80 years and an active member with Epsilon Phi Zeta Chapter for 70 years until her transition at age 100 in 2020.
The scholarship is in honor of Dr. Norma Cole Ayers, an Epsilon Phi Zeta chapter member who achieved Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctorate degrees as a full-time working mom and single parent. She spent most of her professional career as a Solano County mental health clinician and advocated for mental health initiatives. She was a 25-year legacy Zeta Phi Beta Sorority member, filling the chapter scholarship chair and California state chaplain roles during her tenure before her triumphant transition in 2022.
All scholarship applications must be completed online and may be accessed by using the following link: High School Application.
To learn more about the Epsilon Phi Zeta Educational Foundation, visit our website at https://www.zetaseastbay.org/foundation
General Information and Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the various scholarships, applicants must be female students who identify as members of equity-denied groups (communities that face systemic barriers to equal opportunities, resources, and access due to historical and ongoing discrimination). Applicants must reside in the East Bay Area, specifically from West Contra Costa County through Oakland and plan to attend a four-year college, university, or HBCU beginning in Fall 2026.
All applicants are required to submit the following documents for their application to be considered complete:
Epsilon Phi Zeta Educational Foundation Merit-Based Eligibility Requirement:
Nettie Backstrom Memorial HBCU Scholarship Eligibility Requirements:
Dr. Norma Cole Ayers Memorial Scholarship Requirements:
The photo release must be in PDF form except the business/professional headshot photo of self which should be in image form.
Before you start this application…
It is recommended that you gather all required documents and information (including documents to be uploaded; and name and email information for the persons providing student feedback) and complete your personal statement before you start this application. Please be aware that you must enter your information in one sitting since there is no option to save your work and return later. Completion of this application may take approximately an hour.
The HBCU Scholarship is in honor of Soror Nettie Chase Backstrom, a proud HBCU graduate of Houston College for Negroes (now known as Texas Southern University). She wore many hats as a Teacher, Librarian, Counselor and Educator in the Oakland Unified School District for more than 30 years and possessed a commitment to furthering the educational pursuits of African American students in the Oakland Community. She was a “Finer” woman of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, for 80 years and an active member with Epsilon Phi Zeta Chapter for 70 years until her transition at age 100 in 2020.
The scholarship is in honor of Dr. Norma Cole Ayers, an Epsilon Phi Zeta chapter member who achieved Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctorate degrees as a full-time working mom and single parent. She spent most of her professional career as a Solano County mental health clinician and advocated for mental health initiatives. She was a 25-year legacy Zeta Phi Beta Sorority member, filling the chapter scholarship chair and California state chaplain roles during her tenure before her triumphant transition in 2022.
All scholarship applications must be completed online and may be accessed by using the following link: High School Application.
To learn more about the Epsilon Phi Zeta Educational Foundation, visit our website at https://www.zetaseastbay.org/foundation
General Information and Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the various scholarships, applicants must be female students who identify as members of equity-denied groups (communities that face systemic barriers to equal opportunities, resources, and access due to historical and ongoing discrimination). Applicants must reside in the East Bay Area, specifically from West Contra Costa County through Oakland and plan to attend a four-year college, university, or HBCU beginning in Fall 2026.
All applicants are required to submit the following documents for their application to be considered complete:
- Unofficial transcript
- Recent photo of self (business/professional headshot, e.g., graduation photo, DMV style)
- Photo Release Form
- Applicants should be prepared to write a personal statement addressing the following “What is a lesson you’ve learned from a challenge that continues to shape how you approach new opportunities?” (500 words or less).
Epsilon Phi Zeta Educational Foundation Merit-Based Eligibility Requirement:
- Must have cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
Nettie Backstrom Memorial HBCU Scholarship Eligibility Requirements:
- Must have cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher
- Must be a graduating senior in the Oakland Unified School District
- Statement of Financial Circumstances that qualifies you
- Must be attending a HBCU institution in the fall of 2026
Dr. Norma Cole Ayers Memorial Scholarship Requirements:
- Must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5
- This recipient can be a current or incoming college student
The photo release must be in PDF form except the business/professional headshot photo of self which should be in image form.
Before you start this application…
It is recommended that you gather all required documents and information (including documents to be uploaded; and name and email information for the persons providing student feedback) and complete your personal statement before you start this application. Please be aware that you must enter your information in one sitting since there is no option to save your work and return later. Completion of this application may take approximately an hour.
Link to APplication
Link to the application: Scholarship Application
Application Deadline
The deadline to submit the application is Friday, January 16, 2026 . Applicants may be required to complete an interview for further consideration.
Contact Information
For more information about the scholarship opportunities, please contact Tedra Grogans at [email protected].
To learn more about the Epsilon Phi Zeta Educational Foundation, visit our Foundation page.
To learn more about the Epsilon Phi Zeta Educational Foundation, visit our Foundation page.