The mere imparting of information is not education. Above all things, the effort must result in making a man think and do for himself.

- Carter G. Woodson (Grand 1917)

Annual Report Statement: Scholarship and Endowment Support

Advancing Educational Excellence Through Strategic Philanthropy

The Epsilon Iota Foundation continues to advance its mission to strengthen educational opportunities and cultivate future leaders across Central Texas. Through targeted investments in higher education and direct support for emerging scholars, the Foundation remains a steadfast partner in the academic success of students who demonstrate excellence, leadership, and a commitment to service.

Support for Huston-Tillotson University

A key pillar of the Foundation’s philanthropic strategy is its long-standing support of Huston-Tillotson University, Austin’s historic HBCU. Since 2004, the Foundation has contributed more than $32,000 to the McNair Endowment, reinforcing the University’s capacity to deliver high-quality academic programs and student services. These contributions help sustain an institution that has shaped generations of scholars and community leaders.

Scholarships for Area High School Students

The Foundation also invests directly in the academic futures of local youth. Since 2005, more than $69,000 in scholarships have been awarded to high-achieving high school students who excel in the Epsilon Iota Chapter’s annual Robert Tapscott Talent Hunt and Essay Contest. These awards recognize outstanding artistic talent, intellectual achievement, and leadership potential—qualities that reflect the enduring values of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Legacy of Impact and Opportunity

Together, these initiatives represent more than $102,000 in educational support. This sustained investment underscores the Foundation’s belief that access to higher education is essential to building stronger communities and expanding pathways to success. As the Foundation looks to the future, it remains committed to deepening its impact, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring that deserving students have the resources needed to pursue their academic and professional aspirations.

Signed,

Brother Emmitt Hayes

Epsilon Iota Foundation, President

Epsilon Iota Foundation Scholarship Recipients

  • Kyeri Hickman

    2025 Talent Hunt Winner

    Congratulations to 9th grader Kyeri Hickman of McCallum High School for securing the coveted first place with her outstanding dance performance! The winner received a $1,000 scholarship. We commend her for her remarkable talent and dedication to the arts.

    Performance
  • Soliel Patterson

    2024 Talent Hunt Winner

    Congratulations to senior Soliel Patterson of Weis High School for securing the coveted first place with her gracious solo performance! As the winner, Soliel received a $500 scholarship towards her schooling at the University of Texas at Austin! We commend her for her remarkable talent and dedication to the arts.

    Performance
  • Elijah Jones

    2023 Talent Hunt Winner

    Congratulations to senior Elijah Jones of Texas Empowerment Academy for securing the coveted first place with his lead guitar performance! As the winner, Elijah received a $1,000 scholarship! We commend him for his impeccable talent and dedication to the arts.

  • A young man wearing a black suit and light blue shirt standing outdoors with a blurred background of a building and trees, smiling at the camera.

    2024 International Essay Contest Winner

    Congratulations to Ian Rowan, winner of the 2024 Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, International High School Essay Contest! We are thrilled to honor his exceptional essay, “Under the Influence,” selected by the Epsilon Iota Chapter of Austin, Texas. His thoughtful exploration of social media’s impact on mental health reveals remarkable insight and maturity.

    As Ian prepares to begin his studies at the University of Oklahoma this fall, we know he will carry forward the Cardinal Principles of our fraternity. His capacity to spark important conversations shows that he is already making an impact.

    Join us in celebrating Ian’s accomplishment—and in wishing him continued growth and success in college and beyond. Bravo, Ian, and welcome to the legacy of excellence you so clearly embody!

    Click Here
  • A female volleyball player wearing a blue jersey with the number 12, holding a volleyball on her shoulder, smiling at the camera.

    2023 International Essay Contest

    We are proud to honor Morgan Warren, winner of the 2023 Omega Psi Phi Fraternity International High School Essay Contest, sponsored by the Epsilon Iota Chapter in Austin, Texas. Her powerful essay, “The Power of One Vote,” stood out for its clarity, conviction, and inspiring call to civic action.

    Morgan, a standout from Hendrickson High School in Pflugerville, Texas, passionately argued that every vote matters—and that young Americans, especially Generation Z, hold the key to shaping our collective future.

    Now, as Morgan embarks on her studies at Hampton University this fall, we anticipate her promising academic and civic journey ahead.

    Click Here
  • 2025 Sports Sponsorship - Barcelona, Spain

    2025 Sports Travel Sponsorship

    The Epsilon Iota Foundation proudly supported 12-year-old Jeremiah Anglin of Lonestar Soccer Club, recently promoted to the ECNL, in his journey to the International Carnaval Cup 2025 in Barcelona. Jeremiah competed against top youth teams like FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Arsenal’s elite academies.

    Off the field, Jeremiah holds a 90‑average, leads his school’s honor society, volunteers with Epsilon Iota and the 100 Black Men of America in Austin. We’re honored to have contributed to his travel and competition expenses. He proudly represented our chapter and embodied our Cardinal Principles of Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance, and Uplift.

    Click Here

  • 2026 Talent Hunt Winner

    Click Here

Available Scholarships

2026 Robert L. Tapscott Anual Tallent Hunt Program

The Epsilon Iota Foundation is thrilled to announce the return of our annual Rober I. Tapscot Talent Hunt program. Following the resounding success of last year's inaugural event, the foundation looks forward to continuing its tradition of giving back to the community and raising awareness about the importance of the performing arts for our youth.

Talent Hunt is an internationally mandated program of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. The first Talent Hunt was held on April 19, 1946, in Charlotte, North Carolina. The necessity for Talent Hunt arose from the reality that specific populations in the country had limited opportunities for young people to express their artistic and creative abilities fully.

Talent Hunt provides exposure, encouragement, and financial assistance to talented high school students in grades 9 through 12. Students compete for scholarships and the opportunity to showcase their talent to a distinguished group of judges. Local and District Talent Hunt programs are competitive. The International Program is a demonstration of first-place winners from around the world.

In addition, we increased our scholarship giveaway, enabling more students to pursue their dreams of higher education. This year, we hope to build on that success and continue positively impacting the lives of young people in our community. Our Talent Hunt program celebrates the power of performing arts and the importance of investing in our youth.

The 2025 Talent Hunt Competition will be held in person on March 5, 2025, from 7 PM to 9 PM at Texas Empowerment Academy (5800 E. Palmer LN, Austin, TX 78653). We seek to highlight the exceptional talents of performing arts students in our community and would love to have at least six of your top-performing students apply.

How to Participate:

  1. Submit an Application: Students must complete the Talent Hunt Application Form via the link below. They must also include all required documents and submit a 3-5 minute video showcasing their talents (via a YouTube link).

  2. Selection Notification: After review, the Talent Hunt Chairperson will contact selected students to confirm their participation by February 22, 2025, to let you know if you have been chosen for the live competition on March 6th.

Key Information:

  • Application Deadline: February 20th , at 11:59 PM CST

  • Prizes:

    • 1st Place: $1,000

    • 2nd Place: $500

    • 3rd Place: $250

We would love to see your students shine and share their incredible talents at this year's event! Please let me know if you have any questions or need additional information. I look forward to your support in making this Talent Hunt a memorable experience for our youth.

Apply Here

    • Open to college-bound high school seniors submitting through a sponsoring Chapter.

    • The essay must be original, unpublished, and free of copyright restrictions.

    • Length: 700–750 words, typed, double-spaced, submitted via email or postal mail (Microsoft Word format preferred).

  • Local Chapters use a 100-point scale evaluating:

    • Development of Topic/Thesis (30 points)

    • Progression & Flow (20 points)

    • Readability (25 points)

    • Grammar (15 points)

    • Spelling (5 points)

    • Punctuation (5 points)

    • 1st Place: $5,000

    • 2nd Place: $3,000

    • 3rd Place: $2,000

    • 4th Place: $1,000

  • All essays must be received by midnight, October 31, 2025, by the submitting student’s local sponsoring Chapter. Email completed applications to Earl Marshall Jr., earlsdrums@sbcglobal.net

    1. Prepare your essay on the 2025 topic.

    2. Follow the formatting and length guidelines.

    3. Submit your essay, application form, and release form before the deadline to Earl Marshall Jr., earlsdrums@sbcglobal.net .

2025 International High School Essay Contest

The Epsilon Iota Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. (Austin Ques) is proud to administer the Omega Psi Phi International High School Essay Contest for local high school seniors. This annual contest invites college-bound students to submit their best work and compete for university scholarships.

Epsilon Iota Essay Contest Awards
The Epsilon Iota Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. will award $200 to the local chapter winner of the International High School Essay Contest. Chapter winners will then advance to compete at the district level, where the following scholarships will be eligable to be awarded:

  • 1st Place – $1,500

  • 2nd Place – $1,000

  • 3rd Place – $500

District winners will move forward to the national competition, where they will be eligible for larger scholarship awards:

  • 1st Place – $5,000

  • 2nd Place – $3,000

  • 3rd Place – $2,000

  • 4th Place – $1,000

By progressing through each stage, students have the opportunity to earn recognition and scholarship support at the chapter, district, and national levels.

2025 Essay Topic: “In a World Powered by Artificial Intelligence, What Does it Mean to Lead with Integrity and Purpose?”

Application Here

Need Help?

Contact: Bro. Earl Marshall Jr.

  • 📧: earlsdrums@sbcglobal.net

  • 📞: (512) 826-2107

2025 John O. Belle Memorial Scholarship

The John O. Bell Memorial Scholarship is open to high school graduates of high schools in TRAVIS COUNTY, who intend to pursue a bachelor’s degree at an accredited college or university.

The due date is June 30, 2025, and the application must be mailed to the Epsilon Iota post office box.  Please note that a sealed official transcript is required.

John Belle had a very distinguished and rewarding career as an educator. He served as principal of Sims Elementary School, Area I Director of Elementary Schools, and Director of Student Teacher placements. After working for 34 wonderful years, he retired from the Austin Independent School District in 1983.

It was always important to John to be able to have a positive impact on the lives of his many friends and the citizens of Austin. He contributed time and service to various organizations through active membership and involvement. He was a member Emeritus of Phi Delta Kappa, University of Texas Chapter; Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, where he held many offices and was honored as "Citizen of the Year" by the local chapter and the district, which includes Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas and Texas. He was a lifetime member of the Urban League and a member of the NAACP. He served in a distinguished manner on many boards and commissions including, The American Heart Association, the Austin Symphony Society, Austin and Texas Retired Teachers' Associations, AARP Chapter 108, the National PTA Committee working with violence on television and its effects on children, and the Committee of the Austin/Travis County Health and Human Services Health Partnership 2000 and the Board of Services for the Elderly.

Apply Here