Local Programs
The Ebony Pearls Youth Leadership Academy
The first Epsilon Xi Omega (EXO) Chapter Debutante Ball was in 1955 and founded by Sorority member Barbara Anderson under the leadership of Anna Smith as President. The initial purpose of the Ball was to enrich the cultural opportunities for Negro girls. That purpose has been expanded to develop leadership skills, encourage and cultivate high scholastic and ethical standards, to promote unity and friendship among high school females and their escorts, to enhance the social skills, of youth between the ages of sixteen and nineteen, and to contribute monetary resources for maintaining an interest in college life.
Over a period of more than 65 years, EXO has mentored over 1,200 future scholars and community leaders in its Leadership Academy program.
2024 Souvenir Journal QR Code
EXO Scholarship Program
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, Epsilon Xi Omega Chapter has awarded academic scholarships to San Diego County high school graduates since its chartering in 1949. Funding for these scholarships was originally generated through the annual Fashionetta Fashion Shows until 1955, when the EXO Debutante Ball became the primary fundraising event.
Today, our annual Scholarship Program is a collaboration between The Ebony Pearls Foundation of San Diego Incorporated® and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, Epsilon Xi Omega Chapter. Through this collaboration, we are proud to offer Pearls of Promise Scholarships to young women each year. In addition, both females and males are eligible for scholarships directly funded by members of Epsilon Xi Omega through the Ebony Pearls Foundation. In total, our scholarship program provides more than twenty scholarships worth $1,000 - $3,000 each to San Diego college-bound seniors each year.
Scholarships are offered to female and male graduating high school seniors in the San Diego area. Most scholarships require a minimum GPA of 3.0, with a 2.5 GPA minimum for select awards. Proof of enrollment at an accredited institution of higher learning is required and may include 2-year community colleges, 4-year colleges or universities, and trade schools. Scholarship recipients will be recognized at a Scholarship Reception jointly sponsored by The Ebony Pearls Foundation of San Diego Incorporated®, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, Epsilon Xi Omega Chapter and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated® in June of each year.
The Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. 2026 Scholarship Opportunities - Qualified African American female and male high school seniors in San Diego County are invited to apply. Scholarship awards range from $1,000 to $3,000. Scholarship eligibility varies depending on the specific award. Please see the flyer and application form for complete details.
The application deadline is March 15, 2026.
To apply, email the completed application form by midnight on March 15, 2026.Click HERE to apply.
EXO Senior Citizens Program
Epsilon Xi Omega launched its program for senior citizens over 30 years ago. The program, established in September 1981, by then chapter president Carrie Peery, helped the 127 seniors at the Euclid Terrace Complex. During that time, the committee consisted of chapter members: Charlotte Thomas, Vivian Traylor, and Maxcine Stevens.
The original purpose of the senior program was to provide entertainment and recreation for the seniors. Those goals have been maintained and expanded throughout the years. Currently, the senior program provides nutritional workshops, entertainment, recreation, companionship, love, guidance, support, and friendship to the seniors at the Euclid Terrace Complex.
