Academic Excellence & Uplift

Scholarships

Investing in the next generation of leaders — one essay, one scholar, one future at a time.

Current Status

Applications Not Currently Being Accepted

The Epsilon Kappa Kappa Chapter is not accepting applications for the EKK Essay Scholarship or the Omega Psi Phi International High School Essay Contest at this time. Please check back for the next application cycle, or reach out to the Scholarship Committee using the contact information below.

Our Commitment

A Cardinal Principle of the Fraternity

The Founders of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated recognized the importance of the intellect in all matters pertaining to the advancement of humankind. They made Scholarship one of the Fraternity's four Cardinal Principles, alongside Manhood, Perseverance, and Uplift.

At the Epsilon Kappa Kappa (EKK) Chapter, scholarship is more than a principle — it is a promise. Each year we invest in college-bound high school seniors across the Canton-Madison County area through competitive scholarships, mentorship, ACT preparation, and access to the Fraternity's International High School Essay Contest.

Every member, chapter and district of the Fraternity is dedicated to scholarship. It is an integral and deep-rooted component of this organization — and a responsibility we carry with pride.

— Bro Frank Branch

Opportunities

Scholarship Programs

EKK supports two complementary scholarship pathways for college-bound seniors: our chapter-level EKK Essay Scholarship, awarded to students in our local service area, and the Fraternity's International High School Essay Contest, a national competition we are proud to sponsor at the chapter level.

Flagship • Local

EKK Essay Scholarship

Awarded annually by the Epsilon Kappa Kappa Chapter

The Epsilon Kappa Kappa Chapter has long been a proponent of academic excellence, and each year recognizes outstanding metro-area high school seniors through the annual EKK Essay Scholarship. Four (4) scholarships are awarded to college-bound seniors whose essays demonstrate original thought, intellectual rigor, and a clear sense of purpose.

Awards Annually

HS Seniors

Eligibility

Oct 31

Deadline (CST)

Open to high school seniors in Madison, Hinds, and Rankin counties
700–750 word original essay on a rotating annual topic
Must include a cover letter (template provided on request)
Typed, double-spaced, Times New Roman, Microsoft Word format
Original work — not previously published, copyrighted, or AI-generated

Applications are not currently being accepted. Please check back for the next cycle.

Contact Committee

National • International

Omega Psi Phi International High School Essay Contest

Sponsored by Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

The Fraternity's flagship national essay competition invites college-bound high school seniors to engage with the most pressing questions of our era. Essays are submitted through a local chapter — which is where EKK comes in.

1st — $5,000 2nd — $3,000 3rd — $2,000 4th — $1,000

Four awards totaling $11,000 each contest cycle
Open to all college-bound high school seniors nationwide
Original 700–750 word essay on the official annual topic
Submitted to the national Fraternity through your local chapter
Deadline October 31 each year — no exceptions

Applications are not currently being accepted. Please check back for the next cycle.

National HQ

At a Glance

Eligibility & Requirements

The EKK Essay Scholarship is open to college-bound high school seniors residing in our service area. Applicants whose essays meet all requirements may also be forwarded to represent EKK in the Fraternity's International High School Essay Contest.

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Who Can Apply

College-bound high school senior
Attending high school in Madison, Hinds, or Rankin County, Mississippi
Intending to enroll full-time in a degree-seeking program

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Essay Specifications

700–750 words, original work
Double-spaced, Times New Roman
Microsoft Word (.docx) format
Accompanied by a cover letter

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Integrity Standards

Must be the applicant's original work
Not previously published
Not secured by copyright
No use of artificial intelligence

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Key Deadline

Essays must be emailed and time-stamped no later than 11:59 PM CST on October 31 of the contest year. No exceptions.

Application Process

How to Apply

The application process is simple, but requirements are strict. Follow each step carefully — incomplete or late submissions will not be considered.

Confirm the Topic

Contact the Scholarship Committee to request the current year's official essay topic and cover-letter template.

Write Your Essay

Compose an original 700–750 word response — typed, double-spaced, Times New Roman, in Microsoft Word.

Attach the Cover Letter

Prepare a cover letter following the provided example. Include your full name, school, intended college, and contact information.

Email Your Submission

Send your essay and cover letter to the Scholarship Committee Chair at fbranch3815@gmail.com — time-stamped by 11:59 PM CST on October 31.

Finalists Notified

Winners are contacted after committee review and recognized at the chapter's Achievement Week observance.

Questions? Reach Out.

Scholarship Committee

Major (Ret.) Frank J. Branch

Chairman • ACT Prep, Essay Contest & Scholarship Committee · Uplift, Inc.

A decorated Omega man and National & State Life Member, Brother Branch leads EKK's scholarship efforts and serves as the primary point of contact for applicants, families, and guidance counselors.

✉ fbranch3815@gmail.com 💬 Contact EKK

Ready to Apply or Learn More?

Whether you're a graduating senior, a parent, a counselor, or a brother looking to support our scholars, we'd love to hear from you. Reach out today to request application materials or make a contribution.

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