Joel Arthur Cousin was a two-time alumnus from the University of Missouri-Columbia. In his six years at the University, he was involved in many organizations.  His most cherished membership was with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.  Throughout his collegiate career, Joel effortlessly connected with friends, peers, and staff to make an impact on campus.

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He helped plan and participate in events such as the Miss Black & Gold Scholarship, “ABC After School Tutoring,” and “The Homeless Shelter Drive.”  During his college years, Joel developed Sarcoma cancer.  Despite the challenges, he was able to graduate with a Bachelors and Masters degree from the University of Missouri.

 

To be considered for the “Joel Arthur Cousin” Scholarship, applicants must submit a 1-3 page essay demonstrating their written skills on the annual topic.  The essays will be evaluated based on criteria including MLA/APA format, collegiate-level wordplay, and logical thesis. Grading will focus on aspects such as quality, grammar, subject matter, focus/thesis, and structure.

 

This year's topic is “Minority Historical Figure”

This topic is meant to highlight the importance of figures in our communities. Whether they’re a minority of  gender discrimination, an individual with a disability, religious minority, or racial minority, please feel inclined to address any historical figure and their impact on said community. 

 

Requirements:

• Eligibility Grade: Collegiate Student (Graduate+ included)

• Minimum Age: 17

• Required GPA: 2.75+

• Geographic Eligibility: The University of Missouri Student

• Gender: Any

• Race/Ethnicity: Any

Joel’s unwavering commitment to self-improvement every day of his life was truly remarkable.  His dedication to personal growth, acts of kindness, friendship, and leadership, showcased the qualities that elevated Joel to be a true exemplary individual. These are the qualities that made Joel a “Soaring Eagle.”

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One testament to Joel’s commitment to self-improvement was his remarkable journey in shedding 100 pounds in just two years.  He concentrated not only on his physical well-being but also on nurturing his mental health, making strides toward becoming a better all-around individual.

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At the Joel Arthur Cousin Foundation, we are looking for young “Soaring Eagles.”  We aim to discover young eagles who not only surround themselves with like-minded achievers but also actively invest efforts in self-improvement.  Our goal is to support these aspiring yet maturing, like-minded individuals in reaching their growth objectives.

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For the “Soaring Eagle” Scholarship, applicants must submit a 2-5 minute video demonstrating their oratorical skills on the annual topic.  We expect professionalism in attire, a clear and logical thesis, and memorized/practiced dialogue for the video.  You can find excellent examples of oratory speeches on platforms such as YouTube.  Submissions will be evaluated based on content, quality, theme, subject matter, clarity/composure, and delivery.

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This year's topic is “What is my body trying to tell me?”

This topic is to encompass matters regarding health within the human body. Subjects can involve fitness, mental health, gut health or all of the above.   The focus can primarily revolve around the singular body elements of one's health.

 

Requirements:

• Eligibility Grade: Graduating Upperclassmen High school

• Maximum Age: 19

• Required GPA: 2.75+

• Geographic Eligibility: Encompassing States; Alabama, Georgia, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Nebraska, Ohio, N. Dakota, S. Dakota, Wisconsin.

• Gender: Any

• Race/Ethnicity: Any  

• Must be planning to attend a 2 year, or 4-year college/university or trade school. 

Hope is something Joel continued to keep not only within himself but also through his work and relationship with others. Joel's continued volunteer work through the Kansas City, Missouri Homeless Shelters, Boys Scouts, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. consistently inspired hope in others. 

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In various ways, Joel consistently instilled hope in others.  Whether it was telling the story of his cancer journey, or making meals for the less fortunate, Joel made sure to keep and maintain a bright light as a beacon of hope.  

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The Joel Cousin Foundation’s primary objective is to uphold the mission of spreading hope to others.  We aim to assist individuals who aspire to make a positive impact on their communities, much like Joel did.  The Joel Cousin Foundation is dedicated to backing individuals who can bring about and inspire hope.  

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For the “Hope” Scholarship, applicants must either create or participate in a volunteer service and submit a presentation about its impact. The expectation for this scholarship is that the volunteer service must be at a minimum of 2 hours long. Submissions will be graded on subjects such as quality, impact, subject matter, creativity, and presentation.

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Present your volunteer service!

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Presentations could range from a practical poster board, a PowerPoint presentation, a video, etc. We are giving creative range to show your dedication to the community. We’d love to see photos and proof of your guys' work.

 

Requirements:

• Eligibility Grade: Graduating High School

• Organizational: Must be an active member of one of the following organizations: an active member of Boy Scouts, "Go-to-High School, Go-to-College" program (Alpha Phi Alpha), or an active member of the AME Church

• Maximum Age: 19

• Required GPA: Any

  • Geographic Eligibility: Boy Scouts - Three Trails District - Heart of America Council

  •  5th, 6th, & 9th Episcopal District AME Church

  • "Go-to-High School/Go-to-College":  Any​

• Gender: Any

• Race/Ethnicity: Any

• Scout - Need a recommendation letter from the scoutmaster stating how long they’ve been in the Boy Scouts, what rank they achieved, and if they’re still active in the scouts. 

• A.M.E. Church - Need a recommendation letter from the pastor verifying that they are a member of the AME church and the organizations/ministries in which they are currently an active participant 

• Go-to-High School/Go-to-College Program - will be verified by the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity