Jack and Jill of America, Inc. - Indianapolis Chapter

What is the Beautillion? What is the Beautillion?

The Beautillion Militaire was organized in 1986 by the Jack and Jill of America, Indianapolis Chapter to provide a personal development experience and recognition event for African-American male high school students.
Who sponsors the Beautillion? Who sponsors the Beautillion?

The Beautillion Militaire has a joint sponsorship ~ The Indianapolis Chapters of Jack and Jill of America and The 100 Black Men of America.

Both are non-profit organizations committed to providing educational programs for young people to reinforce leadership skills, academic success, and community service. a leader in many art circles.
Who is eligible to participate? Who is eligible to participate?

Young men, who are in their junior or senior year of high school (public or private) who excel in the areas of leadership, academics, athletics, and service (school, church and community). Their high school counselors, minister or a person from the community (who has personal contact with the student) recommends young men. It is a one-time opportunity, i.e. if a young man participates as a junior, he cannot return again to participate during his senior year.
Is there a charge to participate? Is there a charge to participate?

Yes, there is an assessment fee.
Are there scholarship opportunities? Are there scholarship opportunities?

Yes, each participant will have the opportunity to win a scholarship or book award that can be used at a college or university of the recipient's choice. The eligibility for a scholarship/ award will be based on the young man's participation in the education program (weekly session and field trips), individual academic record, extra curricular activities, timeliness (attendance and turning in assignments) and ticket and ad sales.

Through the session the participants will be provided with information on available scholarships outside of the Beautillion Militaire Program, financial aid opportunities, and internships.
How is the scolarship money generated? How is the scolarship money generated?

There are a variety of avenues used to raise funds for the program: grants, private contributions, corporate sponsors, college and university designated scholarships, and money generated through the sale of ads sold for the souvenir booklet and tickets to the ball.
What if the recipient does not attend college? What if the recipient does not attend college?

The recipient will have one Academic year after graduating from high school to notify the organization which institution he will attend and where the money should be sent. The funds are not available for non-academic use. After the one-year period, the funds are returned to the scholarship fund account for use at a future date.
What is the time commitment? What is the time commitment?

The program typically is in session approximately 11-12 weeks depending on the activities for the specific calendar year.
How many people attend the formal ball? How many people attend the formal ball?

Approximately 500 to 700 guests attend the ball. There is no limit on the number of guests that a Beautillion participant can invite. The ball is a community event. Prior to the ball there will be a great deal of press coverage in the Indianapolis Star, the Indianapolis Recorder, as well as, on local television and radio stations spotlighting the Beautillion Militaire Program.
What is the attire for the ball? What is the attire for the ball?

The Beaux will be dressed in black tuxedo with tails, black bow tie, white gloves, and white tux shirt. Each beau will have a black top hat and carry a cane. A formalwear company will come to one of the sessions and take the beaus measurements. The dress attire for the guests is tuxedo or dark suits for men and cocktail dress for the ladies.
What happens at the formal ball? What happens at the formal ball?

The formal program for the ball will consist of the following: dinner, individual presentation of each beau and their parents/guardian, a formal military drill by the beaus, dance with the beau and the significant mother figure in their life, dance with their escort, presentation of the scholarships and awards, the Rite of Passage Ceremony for the beaus and the significant father figure in their life.
What information appears in the souvenir booklet? What information appears in the souvenir booklet?

The souvenir booklet will include individual pictures of the beaus along with their biographical sketch. There will be advertisements from the friends and family of the beaus, as well as, advertisements from community supporters of the Beautillion Militaire Program.
Are ad sales the main qualifier for scholarships? Are ad sales the main qualifier for scholarships?

No, they will not be. The ad and tickets sales are an important fundraising component for support of the Beautillion Militaire Scholarships. Members of both organizations will be soliciting ads from people in the community to support the sales for the souvenir booklet.

As far as scholarship qualification, the sales of ads and tickets, program participation and personal interviews will have a weighted value in determining the beaus final eligibility for scholarships and book awards.