The Fairrilla Emory White Scholarship was established as a tribute to a historic black educator and charter member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Kappa Zeta Chapter.  Mrs. White, born in Dallas on October 7, 1898, was to be cited as Dallas' "oldest living teacher of record" however, she passed just two days shy of the award presentation. An education pioneer, Mrs. White graduated from Dallas' Colored High School in 1916 and Bishop College in Marshall, Texas in 1920.  She taught at Southern University in Baton Rouge, LA and returned to Dallas in 1922.  She taught math at Dallas' Fred Douglass and Phyllis Wheatley Elementary schools and, beginning in 1924, at Booker T. Washington High School.​

The scholarship is to be awarded to a female high school senior who has excelled academically during her high school career.

The winner will be selected based on the submitted documentation and recommendation letters, as well as, an interview.  The winner will be honored in Spring 2026.

1. Must be a female high school senior.
2. Must plan to pursue post high school studies (2-or 4-year college/university).
3. Must reside in and attend school in Dallas County **some exceptions apply, refer to application for more details.
4. ​Must not plan to join another NPHC affiliated Sorority while receiving the award.

The scholarship submission window opens November 16, 2025 and closes January 16, 2026 at 11:59 PM. Submissions received after the deadline will not be considered. Click here to download a student checklist with the steps below and scholarship information for all offered scholarships.

To apply, applicants will need to complete the following steps:

1. Create a folder in your Google Drive and name the folder First Last_25-26 KZ Scholarships (ex: Jane Doe_25-26 KZ Scholarships).
2. Update the share settings on your folder to include that "anyone with the link" may view.
3. Inside of the main folder, you will create and name six (6) additional folders titled as listed below:
4. Inside of the main folder, you will create and name six (6) additional folders titled as listed below and insert corresponding documents:
   • Official transcript (Unweighted GPA-4.0 scale)- In this folder you will insert a copy of your official high school transcript with rank and unweighted GPA (4.0 scale). Be sure you have asked your counselor for an unweighted copy of the transcript).
   • Community Service/Volunteer Hours- In this folder you will insert a single consolidated document displaying all community service and volunteer hours with dates of activities and total hours calculated.
   • Student Extracurricular Activities- In this folder you will insert a single consolidated document of extracurricular activities and awards, etc. with dates of activities
   • Recommendation Letters- In this folder you will insert two letters of recommendation from any of the following:  High School Teacher/Administrator/Counselor, Community Leader, Minister/Church Leader or Supervisor from work or Community Service Project.
   • Scholarship Essay (PDF Copy)- In this folder, you will insert a PDF copy with a name that includes the scholarship's name- ex: Fairrilla E. White Essay). Fairrilla E. White essay Topic: In 500 words or less, tell how this scholarship will help you to achieve your goals and why you should receive this award. 
   • Headshot (JPEG or PNG)- In this folder insert a digital photo (headshot) in JPEG or PNG format.
5. Complete application (Click here to complete application)
6. Share your google folder link in the last section of the application called “Required Documentation for All scholarships”.  Be sure the link is set to “anyone with link” may view.
   Application and Google folder submission must be completed by January 16, 2026 at 11:59 PM.

For Questions about our Kappa Zeta Scholarships, please contact our Scholarship Chair​