What We Do

The James and Ethel C. Ross Scholarship Foundation (“the Foundation”) holds and administers funds that provide scholarships to individuals, including high school, college and graduate school students. These scholarships enable the recipients to complete an undergraduate or graduate education in the field of their choice at the college or graduate school of their choice.

Scholarships also may be awarded to pay for a course of study leading to a certificate and/or a skill level that is foundational for a career in an in-demand field such as healthcare, technology, or the service industry.  Such scholarships may cover the cost of tuition and related expenses. The Foundation does not make grants directly to individuals.

Academic achievement, financial need, area of study, and the Foundation’s confidence in an applicant’s ability to succeed are just some of the factors that will be considered for approval of the grant

Who are James and Ethel C. Ross?

James Ross Sr, came to Texas top attend the HBCU Huston Tillotson University. The science, history and driver’s education instructor taught at the historic Wharton Training School. Middle school was calling he had a talent for dealing with the changing , often complicated, time that is adolescence. He was a bus driver and sports referee. He commanded respect and it is told he could stop a fight with just the bellow of his voice.

His service also extended to the adults of the community as he helped those who could not read obtain driver licenses and prepared the dead as an embalmer for the Pierce Boone Funeral Home. He did not rest during the summer and hit the road selling farming insurance.

Can you imagine the burden you Ethel C. Ross was left with when James passed away far too early?

The tough, ‘tell it like it is,’ strong will of Ethel C. was put to the test. She took her talents and made her living, as a cook. After cooking at many restaurants in Wharton, Tx, she finally landed at the Candy Valley Hospital where her abilities were lauded and appreciated. Even after the death of her husband, she raised her children with a drive to succeed. These men and women went on to serve their country, become professionals, and continue a legacy of work that has extended to the next generations.

True leadership is service. James Ross Sr. was a living example of that statement. A Veteran, Father, Teacher, and Mentor to so many African Americans during a time that such a leader was not only essential but helped but paved the way for many to follow. These two great individuals made their marks! The James and Ethel C. Ross Scholarship Foundation will help prods more leaders.

Officers

Christopher Moses, President

Christopher Moses is United States Army veteran with five years active duty service and four years of reserve duty. He is currently the owner and CEO of Teamworks Management, PLLC, a private group practice providing counseling and psychotherapy.
Christopher Moses is a Licensed Professional Counselor, and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor. He graduated from the State University of New York – Empire State College with a Bachelor of Science in Human Services Management and received a Master of Education from the University of Houston – Victoria. He began his therapeutic career working as an intern at several residential treatment centers in and around the Houston area. While working at DePelchin Children Center, he developed his skill working along with several experienced therapists using Solution-Focused Therapy. He then began using Trauma-Focused, Cognitive Behavior Therapy while working as an LPHA at MHMRA of Harris County. While at The Harris Center (formerly MHMRA of Harris County), he served as Clinical Team Leader with the ACT team that provided wrap around serves for adult patients suffering from mental illnesses while also involved in the Harris County legal system. In addition, he has worked for several years with foster and adoptive families helping them to adjust and develop positive coping skills. He has been able to help clients in the following areas: Goal setting, Changing one’s outlook or general paradigm, Decision-Making, Anger Management, Anxiety, Depression and Mood Disorders, Grief, Adjustment Disorders, Parenting Strategies, Child/adolescent behavior problems, Substance Use and Abuse.

 

Alex A.C. Gardner, Vice President

After graduation from Sam Houston State University (B.F.A. Theatre 2000), Alex work for 13
years as a Theatre professional acting, directing, sound designing and stage managing for many theaters in Houston, TX. He served as a Stage Manager and Assistant Stage Manager for many productions at the historic Ensemble Theatre (Houston, TX). He also held an administration position as the Education Programs Manager there as then moved on to become the Stage and Production Manager at The Express Children’s Theatre (Houston, TX) where he also wrote and directed many of their productions.  
In 2013, Alex had a career shift and moved into higher education working in Student Services.
First as a Dorm Supervisor for Wharton County Jr. College (Wharton, TX) and an Acting and Greek Mythology Instructor for WCJC’s youth summer program, WCJC Kid’s College. In 2021, he moved on to Blinn College (Brenham, TX) where he is currently a Hall Director for the Blinn College Department of Housing and Residence Life.
Nothing is more important to him than family, faith, and helping others in their pursuit of success!

Anthony Ross, Sr., Treasurer
Mr. Ross retired as Assistant Professor of Accounting at Concordia University, Texas. He taught Financial Accounting, Managerial Accounting, Intermediate Accounting, Fraud Examination, Cost Accounting, and Audit Theory. Prior to joining Concordia University, Texas, Mr. Ross retired from Austin Energy, where he served as an Internal Audit Manager. He has over 40 years of professional experience in public, private and government organizations. He served as an Adjunct Professor at Austin- area colleges, teaching accounting and business courses for many years, while employed at Austin Energy. Mr. Ross also served several years as an elected member on the Board of the City of Austin Employee’s Retirement System, serving as Board Chairman, and Policy Committee Chairman; he was re- elected to a third 4-year term as a Retiree Board Member. Mr. Ross has served as Chair of the Austin Community College’s Accounting Advisory Committee, and he has over twenty years of experience serving on the Committee. Mr. Ross is a CPA, a CIA, and a CFE. He earned the CFA Institute Investment Foundations Certificate and the Certificate of Achievement in Public Plan Policy (CAPPP) (Pensions) from the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans. Mr. Ross is an active member of the Texas Society of CPAs, The American Institute of CPAs, the Institute of Internal Auditors, the National Association of Black Accountants, and the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners. He holds an MBA degree and a Graduate Certificate in Management Information Systems, a Master’s degree in accounting and financial Management, a Bachelor of Science degree in Management, and two Associate in Applied Science degrees.
Dr. Audrey Powell, Secretary

Audrey Ross Powell, M.D is a physician with over 20 years experience in
medicine. She is a Board-Certified Pediatrician and an Internist (Physician for
Adults). She completed dual residencies in both Internal Medicine and Pediatrics
at the University of Tennessee in Memphis. Her medical degree is from the
University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. She is a graduate of Texas A&M
University where she received a Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology. She enjoys
collaborating across the healthcare spectrum to provide compassionate care and
believes in putting the patient first. In addition, she enjoys empowering patients and
families with healthcare knowledge and the tools to advocate for themselves. She is
an effective communicator and strategist. She prides herself as a lifelong learner
and is passionate about health and happiness. In her spare time, she enjoys
charitable work, traveling and spending time with her family.

SCHOLARSHIP GUIDELINES

Scholarships also may be awarded to pay for a course of study leading to a certificate and/or a skill level that is foundational for a career in an in-demand field such as healthcare, technology, or the service industry.  Such scholarships may cover the cost of tuition and related expenses. The Foundation does not make grants directly to individuals. Academic achievement, financial need, area of study, and the Foundation’s confidence in an applicant’s ability to succeed are just some of the factors that will be considered for approval of the grant. Award Types There will be three main awards: The James Ross Sr. Award: based on those who study subjects that will put them in the education field The Ethel C. Ross Award: based on academic excellence The Ross Award: based on financial need. Criteria The James and Ethel C. Ross Scholarship was created to provide career-minded individuals the opportunity to develop professionally, civically and socially. Here is a list of factors that will assist us in the evaluation of prospective candidates. The Foundation can allow variances and remediation on a case by case basis. A candidate’s application will consider most but not be limited to these factors:
  • Scholarship recipients must be students who study at an educational institution that provides an educational program acceptable for full credit toward a bachelor’s or higher degree, or offers a vocational training program to prepare students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation and is authorized under federal or state law.
  • Have a grade point average of 3.00 or better (on a 4.0 scale).
  • Complete an application and include a one page essay explaining why you need or deserve this scholarship.
  • Completion of a phone/online interview with Foundation appointee(s).
  • Past or future attendance at a particular school.
  • Past or proposed course of study.
  • Evidence of his or her artistic, scientific or other special talent.
  • The scholarship committee’s conclusions as to the applicant’s motivation, character, ability, or potential.
Procedure
    • Send in completed application Email: acekat2002@yahoo.com
    • Participate in an online or telephone interview (zoom call)
    • The James and Ethel C Ross Scholarship Foundation Scholarship Fund Committee will select the scholarship winner (subject to the approval of the Board of Directors).
    • The James and Ethel C Ross Scholarship Foundation shall notify the chosen scholarship recipient(s) of its decision.
    • All scholarship checks will be made payable to the university for the student.
    • Each scholarship awarded will be a minimum of $2,000 annually to be paid in two equal installments.
    • Scholarships will be awarded on an annual basis and disbursed in equal payments in August and January.
    • Students must continue to attend classes and maintain no lower than a 2.75 grade-point average (or equivalent).

Recovery of Unused or Misused Scholarship Funds

The Foundation is not required to investigate the use of scholarship grants paid directly to an educational institution unless the award is used to pay for something that is not a qualified educational expense.

  • Recipients that withdraw from a post-secondary institution during an academic term, or after the completion of the first semester, are obligated to have the institution return any unused assets to the Foundation.
  • Recipients that transfer from one institution to another with scholarship funds remaining must notify both their current financial aid office and the Foundation. The institution from which the student is leaving must refund the unused portion of the scholarship to the Foundation. Upon receipt of a current class schedule at the new institution, the Foundation will reissue a check for the remaining amount to the new institution.
  • Disciplinary actions will result in recipient returning 20% of the award.
  • Recipients are obligated to notify the Foundation of their dismissal from an institution for any reason.
 
The Foundation will only pay Scholarship directly to the educational institution and only for qualified educational expenses on behalf of the scholarship recipient.
The Foundation reserves the right to impose additional, minor reasonable restrictions and/or requirements upon the awarding of Scholarship Grants and the administration of such grants.
Any substantial or material changes will be made only with approval of the James and Ethel C Ross Scholarship Foundation Board of Directors.

PRINT AND EMAIL SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION
TO: jerossfoundation@gmail.com

ONLINE SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

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    EXTRACURRICULAR, HOBBIES, INTREST, & AWARDS




    SHORT ESSAY
    The Foundation would like to know, why do you want to go to college and who/what inspires you? Tell us who you are and how this scholarship will make a difference.



    Remember to attach or include two letters of recommendation: one personal and one academic or professional.








    The Foundation is not required to investigate the use of scholarship grants paid directly to an educational institution unless the award is used to pay for something that is not a qualified educational expense.

    • Recipients that withdraw from a post-secondary institution during an academic term, or after the completion of the first semester, are obligated to have the institution return any unused assets to the Foundation.
    • Recipients that transfer from one institution to another with scholarship funds remaining must notify both their current financial aid office and the Foundation. The institution from which the student is leaving must refund the unused portion of the scholarship to the Foundation. Upon receipt of a current class schedule at the new institution, the Foundation will reissue a check for the remaining amount to the new institution.
    • Disciplinary actions will result in recipient returning 20% of the award.
    • Recipients are obligated to notify the Foundation of their dismissal from an institution for any reason.
     
    The Foundation will only pay Scholarship directly to the educational institution and only for qualified educational expenses on behalf of the scholarship recipient.
    The Foundation reserves the right to impose additional, minor reasonable restrictions and/or requirements upon the awarding of Scholarship Grants and the administration of such grants.
    Any substantial or material changes will be made only with approval of the James and Ethel C Ross Scholarship Foundation Board of Directors.
    Location

    2727 Pink Taylor Run Rd
    Beasley, TX 77417

    Our hours

    10:00 AM – 22.00 PM
    Monday – Sunday

    Contact us

    Phone: 
    Email: jerossfoundation@gmail.com

    Contact Us