Established in 1988, PIEF is a 501(c)(3) organization whose primary mission is to provide scholarships to deserving and exemplary college-bound high school seniors and continuing college students in the District of Columbia. PIEF is comprised of college-educated, professional women – community volunteers who are dedicated to serving the needs of District residents.
PIEF serves as the fundraising arm of its sister organization, Xi Omega Chapter, the oldest and largest graduate chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. established in Washington, DC. In addition to annually awarding thousands of dollars in scholarships with PIEF, Xi Omega also provides an array of service programs that focus on educational enrichment, health and wellness, family strengthening, environmental ownership, and global impact. PIEF is the primary funder of Xi Omega's service programs through community grants, and often partners with Xi Omega in promoting and executing these programs.
