Bright Minds, the official foundation of The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) requests applications for the Sydney L Cousin Memorial Scholarship fund. The scholarship was established to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Sydney L Cousin, superintendent of the Howard County Public School System from July 2004 until his retirement in June 2012.

Dr. Cousin joined the Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) in 1987 as director of school construction and planning. Previously he taught social studies and worked in long-range planning with the Baltimore City Public School System. Dr. Cousin became the system’s first African American superintendent, became permanent superintendent in July 2004.

In June 2013 Dr. Cousin was awarded Howard Community College’s prestigious James Clark, Jr. Medal for his leadership in keeping HCPSS the top performing system in Maryland, the significant progress made in improving the academic achievement of all students groups, and being a general champion for education from pre-K through 12 and beyond.

The Sydney L Cousin Memorial Scholarship is intended to help an HCPSS graduate who wishes to become a public school teacher. Graduates who have demonstrated their commitment to becoming an educator by completing one of the teacher education transfer programs at Howard Community College (HCC) are eligible for consideration. Students must also have been accepted for continued study in teacher education at an accredited four-year college/university. In May, one winner will receive a $1,000 scholarship which can be used to pay tuition, fees, or the cost of books. Interested HCC students click here for the application.