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Ausie Rivens Scholarship Foundation/ Resource Center

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The Ausie Rivens Scholarship Foundation was established in 2003 in honor of the first Black barber in Cornelius, NC. The foundation is located at 20805 Catawba Avenue, where the original barbershop was built in the late 1950s. Rivens, the father of 12, began his career as a barber by cutting the hair of family members and white neighbors in his front yard. In addition to working as a barber, Rivens was a tenant farmer. As his clients increased, Rivens relocated his business to other locations: Clarence Cornelius' barbershop and the Smithville Community Center.

Shortly after his job at Frank Mills, Rivens had an opportunity to build his own barbershop and diner, which is where the current barbershop is located. (The original structure was demolished and rebuilt in 2003.) In addition to his business on Catawba Avenue, Rivens worked as a janitor at Cornelius Elementary School. Many Cornelius citizens, black and white, are familiar with Rivens and he mentored many of the current barbers still active in the area. Rivens was well known and admired for his hard work and for his concern for the community.
Mission: To empower area youth by promoting continuing education and by providing a GED lab, financial assistance for future employment skills and entrepreneurial success as a Barber or Stylist.

Eligibility Requirements:
  • Must be enrolled and accepted at an accredited Barber or Cosmetology School
  • Must have a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5
  • Must submit a complete Ausie Rivens Scholarship application
  • Must enroll at least half-time per semester and successfully complete classes registered for

Application Procedure:
  • Funds will be awarded upon notification from the Ausie Rivens Scholarship Committee Executive Director
  • Dropping below half time enrollment may result in reduction or cancellation of the scholarship award
  • Students on academic probation may not be eligible to receive the Ausie Rivens Scholarship
  • All questions regarding the Ausie Rivens Scholarship may be directed to rivensscholarship@gmail.com or at 704.493.4955.
  • Return Scholarship Applications to: Ausie Rivens Scholarship - 20805 Catawba Avenue - Cornelius, NC 28031

Board Members

  • Sharon Johnson
  • Ausie Rivens Jr.
  • Alysse Stewart
  • Ezeperee McKinney
  • Chris Guffey
  • Tonya Rivens
  • Thomas Looney

Scholarship Recipients

  • 2018-Sponsor of Domestic Violence Victim, individual recommended by community group 
  • 2017-National Hook Up of Black Women, Domestic Violence, Donation
  • 2016-Sponsor of Domestic Violence Victim, individual recommended by community group
  •  2015-Sponsor of Domestic Violence Victim, individual recommended by Ministry
  • 2014-Charlotte Mecklenburg Women's Commission, Domestic Violence, Donation
  • 2013-Transition to Domestic Violence Sponsorship
  • 2012-No qualified participant
  • 2011 Scholarship Winner-Amber Stinson
  • 2010 Scholarship Winner-Chris King
  • 2009 Scholarship Winner-No qualified applicant
  • 2008 Scholarship Winner-Norris Hunsucker
  • 2007 Scholarship Winner-Lysander Bracey
  • 2006 Scholarship Winner-Ashley Williams​
  • 2004-05 Scholarship Winner-Martiaus Henderson
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