So you may be laughing about the name of the Scholarships, but in reality, becoming a Cox Scholar is hands-down one of the best things to ever happen to me. Coming from a family of low socioeconomic status, I had no idea how I was going to afford college--much less how to go about the whole "college" thing in general because I was to be the first. Scary, right?
Throughout high school, I did everything I was supposed to do. I volunteered, I got good grades, and I worked A LOT. I spent a lot of time being anxious about my future; I worked two and three jobs while attending high school and an early college program my senior year, pushing myself beyond belief. Looking back, I question how in the world I was able to do all of that but at the time, I was just going through the motions and trying my best. When I got the email from IU about a group of scholarships--Cox Scholarships--I didn't hesitate to start working on it. I spent approximately three weeks working on my essay questions, getting references, and filling out the rest of the general application.
After submitting it, going through the processes, and patiently waiting, I got an offer to become a Cox Legacy Scholar. I, Casey Stover, had been offered one of the best and most competitive scholarships here at Indiana University! What a life changing email indeed!
I had somehow done everything right, and was able to start a journey that I wouldn't otherwise have had. I was able to start working on my dreams, be a game-changer in my family, improve the world--all because of two very special individuals.
But, I am not the only one. :)
What is a Cox Scholar Anyways?Well, watch this video about Jesse & Beulah!
It discusses the wonderful people that they were and all of the characteristics Jesse valued. Jesse set the scholarships up because he knew that he was not the only person who had to do what he did. He valued giving back, and wanted to give future students the opportunity to achieve their dreams.
Cox Scholars are dedicated, hard-working individuals who have expressed commitment to work, service, and education. They possess the character traits that Jesse had, and strive for success in all aspects. There are, however, five different Cox scholarships that cater to specific needs of an individual applicant to allow for maximum success:
- Cox Engagement Scholars Program - Incoming Freshmen Only - 100% Total Cost of Attendance
- Cox Exploratory Scholars Program - Incoming Freshmen Only - 100% Total Cost of Attendance
- Cox Research Scholars Program - Incoming Freshmen Only - 100% Total Cost of Attendance
- Cox Legacy Scholars Program - Freshmen through Seniors - 75% Total Cost of Attendance
- Cox Access Scholar Program - Incoming student with 5(+) year gap of college education - 75% Total Cost of Attendance
The links above allow access to the eligibility requirements for each scholarship.
BUT, What do Cox Scholars look like?Get the whole "Scholar=Nerd" idea out of your head. We are your normal everyday college students! We look like (and are):
- Diverse in all forms! (race, sex, religious association, sexual orientation, political persuasion, etc.)
- Smart by our own definitions
- Leaders both now and in the future
- Talented
- Service Supporters
- Dedicated
- Sorority & Fraternity members AND non-greek students
- Involved
- Game-Changers
- Beautiful in our own unique way
- +MORE
As I mentioned above, being a Cox Scholar is one of the things I am most proud of. So much good has come from being one, and I am constantly amazed and forever grateful. If you have what it takes, please consider applying!
Interested in learning more about our Cox Scholars? Check out these stories.