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William G. Cowan Scholarship

Established in 2007, the William George Cowan Scholarship Fund is administered by GEMS (Guthrie’s Empowering Ministries Scholarship) in Memory of William George “Daddy Bill” Cowan. The first scholarship was awarded at our 4th Annual Youth Gospel Explosion to Ms. Shakira J. Carter of Malvern, AR.

 

William George Cowan
William G. Cowan was a man who encouraged higher learning, whether college, trade school or technical training. Mr. Cowan did not graduate from high school, he had to drop out of school at an early age to work and help take care of his siblings. Mr. Cowan’s brothers and sister all took the challenge of higher learning and received MBA’s and or PhD’s.


Purpose of Awards


The William G. Cowan scholarship is designed to recognize young men and women of color who are making significant contributions to their communities. GEMS wants to support and encourage their continuing education by providing scholarships to those men and women enrolled in accredited technical and undergraduate programs. This scholarship is to help any student who wishes to further their education.

 

Eligibility

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  • A graduating high school senior in the United States

  • Accepted to an educational institution for full attendance as defined by the institution.

  • Cumulative high school grade point average of 3.0 or higher

  • Must have participated in at least one (1) GM2 Gospel Youth Explosion (GYE)

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Please do not submit an application if you do not meet the eligibility requirements. No exceptions to the eligibility requirements are considered. The Fund does not offer scholarships for weekend programs, summer sessions, research, special projects, or for study out of the country.


Application Requirements are

  • Submit official academic transcript supporting the GPA entered on your application.

  • Acceptance letter

  • Completion of the essay questions outlined in the application. Each essay answer must be 500 words
    or more.

  • Three letters of recommendations ~ one from your Pastor, one from your Counselor or Teacher and one from a Community Leader (non family member)

  • A recent photograph suitable for publication; i.e. cap and gown picture or other professional quality headshot photograph. Photos must be received with the application. No exceptions.

  • Award applicants are asked to attend the Guthrie’s Music Ministries 20 th Annual Gospel Youth Explosion Aug 4 - 5, 2023 in North Little Rock, AR.

  • A short Bio (Including your date of birth, parents name, address, work history, phone number(s) academic involvement, community involvement, hobbies, interest)

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Application Deadline
All application materials must be postmarked by May 15, 2023 and mailed to

 

Guthrie’s Music Ministries
P. O. Box 381451
Duncanville, TX 75138

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All application materials should be mailed as one package. If the references or transcripts are mailed under separate cover, the student is responsible for making sure that we receive it on or before the deadline.


Incomplete or late applications will not be reviewed. NO EXCEPTIONS.


Awards are for the current academic year only and are paid directly to the recipient and the academic institution. Please send proof of official registration to GEMS at the beginning of the school year.


Announcement of scholarship recipient(s) will be made at the GYE concert.

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Essay Questions


What are your dreams for the future? When you look back on your life in twenty years, what would it take for you to consider your life successful?


Consider your favorite books, movies, works of art, etc., please tell how these influenced your life in a meaningful way and why you do consider them to be your favorite?

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