Earl Collins Foundation Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by Earl Collins Foundation
Introduction and history
The Earl Collins Foundation Scholarship was created in 1960 by the Kiwanis Club of Cape Girardeau to commemorate Dr. Earl A. Collins, a distinguished educator and Kiwanis leader who died that same year. Dr. Collins was a charter member of the Cape Girardeau Kiwanis Club, served as Missouri-Arkansas (Mo-Ark) District Governor in 1952, and held district secretary duties as well as the editorship of the KIWANIGRAM. His academic career spanned 15 years at Central Missouri State College and 20 years at Southeast Missouri State University. In 1984 the scholarship fund was incorporated as a foundation to extend its reach; administration currently rests with the Missouri-Arkansas (Mo-Ark) Kiwanis District.
Purpose
The scholarship carries on Dr. Collins’ commitment to education and community service by awarding financial assistance to graduating high school seniors pursuing postsecondary education. Selection emphasizes applicants who demonstrate leadership, drive, and active community involvement—traits consistent with Kiwanis principles. Special consideration is given to students with participation in Key Club, Kiwanis’ high school leadership program.
Eligibility requirements
- Must be a graduating high school senior from Arkansas or Missouri.
- Intends to enroll (full- or part-time) in a college, university, or vocational/technical school in any U.S. state.
- Academic benchmark: ACT score of 23 or higher, or SAT performance at or above the 82nd percentile.
- Demonstrated motivation shown through extracurricular activities, leadership roles, and community service (Key Club involvement is strongly preferred).
- Financial need may be taken into account but is not a prerequisite for consideration.