The first African American Sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® was founded in 1908 on the campus of Howard University.  Some of the objectives include cultivating and encouraging high scholastic and ethical standards, helping to alleviate problems concerning girls and women, and being of service to all mankind.  In 1966, seventeen women in the City of Pontiac saw the need to be of service in their community, and Theta Lambda Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® was established.   Once the chapter was established, there was an additional need for a Foundation to allow wide latitude for creative, inventive, and effective philanthropy.  In 2012, papers were filed with the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth Bureau of Commercial Service.  In 2013, Tolling for Education Foundation, Incorporated became a Foundation operating as a 501 © (3) organization.

The mission of Tolling for Education Foundation, Incorporated is to enhance the lives of constituents in the greater Pontiac Community through scholarships and service.  Our vision is to see a community overflowing with opportunities and resources for success.  Our values are to provide:

  • EXCELLENCE – We will be a vibrant pillar of excellence in all our efforts.
  • INTEGRITY – We will be good stewards with high standards.
  • UNITY – We will operate as one team to achieve our mission.
  • SCHOLARSHIP – We will award students with scholarships to further their education beyond high school.
  • EDUCATION – We will build the character of students and provide educational programs for advancing into positions of leadership and service.
  • COMMUNITY – We will be committed to providing relevant and engaging resources and service to support, educate, and impact the community.

The Foundation has succeeded in securing charitable contributions, gifts and endowed funds toward scholarships and fellowship.  The Foundation offers a variety of educational outreach programs to address the needs of our community, specifically focusing on the needs of the young and elderly segments of the population. To date, we have provided more than $3,000,000 in scholarships to high school graduates from the City of Pontiac and surrounding communities to assist with their higher education.  We have provided funding for health and emergency funds, and items to those in hardship.