Since 1981, this competition has celebrated the traditions of historically Black Greek Letter Organizations and collegiate scholarships. To date, the Midwest Marchdown has awarded over $35,000 in scholarship funds and over $130,000 in prize money to the winning organizations that then donate to charities of their choice, or use for programming throughout the school term.
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE
STEP INTO THE SPOTLIGHT
In this year’s competition, we will be awarding
$2,600 in Scholarships
to 2 Graduating High School Seniors, 2 College Seniors, and 1 First Generation College Student for the 2025-2026 school year.
For competing teams, we will be awarding a collective
$3,500 Cash Prize
for the teams that are victorious.
Take the First Step to Unlocking Your Future!
The Sky is the limit. Onward and Upward!
APPLY TODAY
Application Deadline:
Sunday, October 1st, 2025 11:59 PM - CST
Roland K. Perry Scholarship
For Graduating High School Seniors
Timothy F. Rowles II Scholarship
For College Seniors
Timothy F. Rowles II, a brother of the Alpha Eta Chapter, was born November 8th, 1992 in Springfield Illinois. He attended Harris-Stowe State University and majored in Urban Affairs. Bro. Rowles was an impactful young man who exemplified brotherhood to the highest degree. A fun-loving, charismatic, kind hearted human being who deeply valued the power of education. Our dearly departed brother passed peacefully in his sleep in February of 2017. Since his passing, the men of the Alpha Eta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated deemed it fit to establish a scholarship in his namesake.
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.
Richard Mansfield Sr.
Scholarship
For 1st Generation College Students
Born on November 1, 1962, Brother Richard (Rick) Mansfield was a man of purpose, perseverance, and profound impact. From humble beginnings, he entered the University of Missouri–St. Louis with great expectations, working full-time while attending school. His relentless spirit carried him through, becoming the first in his immediate family to earn a four-year college degree. Brother Mansfield was was instrumental in launching the very first Miss Black and Gold Pageant, and he was cofounder of the Midwest Marchdown, which has become one of the largest and longest-running step shows in the region. He was a father, a husband, a mentor, and above all—a Brother. His passing on March 4, 2025, left a void in the hearts of many, but his legacy continues to guide Alpha Eta.