2025 Midwest Marchdown Scholarship in Honor of Bro. Roland K. Perry

Roland K. Perry, a brother of the Alpha Eta Chapter, was born on July 24, 1962 in St. Louis, Missouri. He attended the University of Missouri-Rolla in the fall of 1980 as a Minority Engineering Program Scholar, studying Chemical Engineering. Bro Perry was a dynamic brother who had great influence within the chapter. Due to unfortunate circumstances, his life was cut short in a fatal car accident. In remembrance of him, we dedicated the Roland K. Perry Scholarship in his name namesake.  

Since 1981, the Midwest Marchdown has served as a charity step competition that celebrates the traditions of historically Black-Greek letter organizations and collegiate scholarship. Proceeds from this annual event help fund scholarships for deserving students from the St. Louis area, as well as funding for the two winning organizations. Throughout the years, the Midwest Marchdown has awarded over $35,000 in scholarship funds and over $130,000 in prize money to the winning organizations. 

Founded on Tuesday, December 4, 1906, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated is the oldest Greek-letter organization for African-American collegiate males. The Midwest Marchdown exemplifies the Fraternity’s aims; Manly Deeds, Scholarship, and Love For All Mankind, while providing the St. Louis Metropolitan area with an evening of family entertainment and supporting the academic aspirations of the college-bound youth.

 

 

Application Deadline
Sunday, October 1, 2025, 11:59:59PM - CST

Your essay should be a minimum of 400 words. You should address:

• Your college goals and choice of major?
• Who inspired you to go into higher education?
• What makes you standout more than any other applicant?

 

Include any academic and non-academic accomplishments, personal characteristics, or experiences that make you uniquely worthy of scholarship consideration.

1. Refer to criteria below for eligibility requirements.
2. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
3. If any question does not apply to you, please write N/A in the space.
4. The Scholarship winners will be formally announced at Alpha Eta’s Midwest Marchdown Scholarship Step Show, Friday, October 17th, 2025.

NOTE:   Scholarship funds will be awarded to the student upon evidence of registration in an accredited post-secondary institution.

 Criteria:

1. Applicant must be a St. Louis City or St. Louis County resident.
2. Applicant must be a graduating high school senior in the year of the award.
3. Applicant must demonstrate meaningful involvement that positively impacts their community and reflects a commitment to academic excellence, advocacy, and community development.
4. Applicant must attend Midwest Marchdown Scholarship Stepshow.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact us by email at ah1942@gmail.com.

 

Alpha Eta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated