The Crescent Foundation, Inc. was established in March 2005 by the Gamma Eta Sigma Tampa Alumni Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., a professional, civic, and social service organization dedicated to community uplift. The Foundation fulfills its mission through charitable donations, funding initiatives, and grants that support education and community development. In collaboration with the Gamma Eta Sigma Chapter, the Crescent Foundation created the Dr. Earnest E. Hansley Memorial Scholarship in remembrance of Dr. Hansley, who passed away in 2024. This scholarship honors his life, leadership, and lasting impact on education, service, and brotherhood. Dr. Hansley’s unwavering commitment to uplifting others and investing in future generations serves as the foundation of this award. The scholarship seeks to recognize and support students who exemplify Dr. Hansley’s values of academic excellence, community engagement, and purposeful leadership, ensuring that his legacy continues to inspire meaningful change for years to come.

The purpose of the scholarship program is to recognize and reward outstanding academic achievement and community service among young men who are graduating seniors from public high schools in the City of Tampa and Hillsborough County.

Applicants must have been accepted to an accredited four-year college or university with the intent of continuing their education. To qualify, applicants must:

- Be a high school senior at the time of application.

- Complete and submit all required application forms, video, and supporting documentation.

- Submit a 1 to 2 minute video.

- Meet all eligibility criteria. Submit the application no later than May 15, 2026.

- Understand that failure to follow application instructions or meet eligibility requirements will result in disqualification

1. Applicants must submit an official high school transcript.  

2. Applicants must submit two (2) letters of recommendation, one of which must be from a teacher or counselor.

3. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and submit a Student Aid Report (SAR).

4. Applicants must demonstrate community involvement by documenting contributions made in both school and the community and /or by participating in Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity programs.

5. Requirements:

a. Participants are required to create a one to two-minute video on the topic of "Brotherhood and How It Can Help You in Your Future Endeavors."

b. The video should be creative, fun, original, and well-presented, expressing the participant's unique perspective and understanding of brotherhood. As well as, tell us about themselves, hobbies and goals.

c. The video should adhere to ethical standards and avoid any offensive or inappropriate content.

6. Completed, signed, and dated application packages (including transcripts, letters of acceptance, and letters of recommendation) must be submitted. Incomplete and late applications will not be considered. Please proofread your application package prior to submission.

7. Applicants must use the official Scholarship Application.

8. The application package must be postmarked if mailed no later than the deadline of May 15, 2026.    

Each applicant must meet the following eligibility requirements:

- Be a graduating senior currently enrolled in a public high school in Hillsborough County.

- Have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.50 or higher on a 4.0 scale.

- Have been accepted for full-time enrollment at an accredited four-year college or university and provide official proof of acceptance

Video Submission:
a. Participants are required to create a one to two-minute video on the topic of "Brotherhood and How It Can Help You in Your Future Endeavors."
b. The video should be creative, fun, original, and well-presented, expressing the participant's unique perspective and understanding of brotherhood.  As well as tell us about themselves, hobbies and goals.
c. The video should adhere to ethical standards and avoid any offensive or inappropriate content.

Judging Criteria: Submissions will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

i. Articulation of the concept of brotherhood and its significance (40%)

ii. Relevance to future endeavors and personal/professional growth (30%)

iii. Creativity, originality, and overall presentation of the video (20%)

iv. Clarity of message and effective communication (10%)

A panel of judges will review and score the submissions independently. Their decision will be final and cannot be contested.

Intellectual Property: By participating in the competition, participants grant the organizers the right to use their videos for promotional or educational purposes, while ensuring due credit is given to the creators.