Dr. Ernest J. Harris was a Research Entomologist who obtained his PhD in entomology from the University of Hawaii in 1975. He worked at the USDA-ARS Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center, Honolulu, Hawaii for over 40 years in different capacities including as a research leader of the Biology and Ecology Research Unit, Tropical Fruit and Vegetables Research Laboratory, Honolulu, Hawaii. Dr. Harris is internationally renowned for his work on the biology and area-wide management of tephritid fruit fly pests using bio rational tactics such as sterile fly releases (SIT), male annihilation (MA), and augmentative biological control. He has published over 100 peer-reviewed scientific articles and has been recognized nationally and internationally with numerous awards. Dr. Harris was a distinguished member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Beta Lambda Chapter. Dr. Harris and served over 50 years in the fraternity.

The Alpha Foundation, Mu Beta Lambda Chapter, offers a $1,500 scholarship for high school students entering college. Students must demonstrate that they met the minimum requirements to graduate from high school in Hawaii. Also, students must show proof of acceptance and attend an accredited college or university to receive our scholarship. Finally, we would like to work with the school to coordinate Scholarship presentation which will take place after completion of the 2024-2025 academic school year.

Applicants must be entering his/her first year of college.

● Applicant must be a United States citizen and enrolled in an accredited United States college.

● Applicant must possess a grade point average of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 system (most recent transcript).

● Immediate family members of Alpha Phi Alpha Mu Beta Lambda Chapter to the first degree of consanguinity are not eligible to apply for or receive this scholarship.

● All applications must include all required materials to be considered. The scholarship committee will not be responsible for making copies of applications and/or collecting required materials. If required materials are not included with your application, your application will be considered incomplete and disqualified.

● Only selectees will receive official result notification.

● Scholarship will be paid in August or September directly to the college or university.

● Applications must be completed electronically in the PDF format and emailed directly to Jimmie Leonard (jimmie41@hotmail.com)

● Applications must be completed and received by 21 March 2025.