Scholarships

Applications for all scholarships can be printed from the links below or apply online.

 

See Kelli if you have any questions.

 
 

 

Start on applications early! Give yourself plenty of time to finish all required parts of an application.

Keep a "cheat sheet" for yourself of your activities, awards, and accomplishments. This will help the process of filling out applications go faster.

 

Ask for letters of recommendation from someone who knows you. Ask early! Give them information like when you need the letter done, what information should be included, and what some of your activities/accomplishments/awards/jobs/volunteer work are that you feel are important and want mentioned in the letter.

 

Have a parent, friend, or teacher proof read essays. Spelling and grammar are important!

If possible, keep a copy of your essays. Some scholarships ask similar questions. 

Revise completed essays instead of starting from scratch.

 

I Can Succeed

Scholarships and Grants

 

 Doing a little work early on can increase your chances for scholarships and grants.

  • Get involved in camps, clubs and organizations. Many local, regional and national groups offer scholarships to their members.
  • Research scholarships throughout high school. You're more likely to be prepared and in place to win if you start early.
  • Develop a well-rounded resume by being involved in activities and doing your best in school.

 

Scholarship Searches

 
Scholarships and Giveaways

As part of our mission to help Iowa students and families obtain the resources necessary to succeed in post secondary education, we reinvest funds in programs designed to benefit Iowa high school and college students and their parents, as well as borrowers serving in critical need areas.

 

With our expertise in borrowing for college and repaying student loan debt, we look for opportunities to educate Iowa's students and families on these important concepts.

 

We offer both ongoing programs and annual programs that occur at different times of year.

Check back often to see if you qualify for current programs as well as new offerings.

  • Sept 5 – Oct 22 --- Save Now, Save Later: College Savings Plan Parent Giveaway
  • Spring /Summer Annually  --- College Funding Forecaster Giveaway
  • Winter/Early Spring Annually --- Iowa Financial Know- How Challenge: Senior Scholarship
 
 

LendEDU

 

College is expensive. The rising costs of higher education has made it difficult for college students and families to afford an education. At LendEDU, we help students find financial aid, scholarships, and student loans. While our primary business is student loans, we try to help all of our students find other sources of funding before using student loan debt. Unlike student loans, scholarships/awards do not need to be paid back. Scholarships are free money and can go a long way when used correctly.

 

We are excited to offer our very own scholarship this upcoming Spring. The LendEDU Scholarship is a $1,000 scholarship award. Our scholarship can be used to cover any and all costs related to your education. The LendEDU Scholarship can be used to cover tuition, textbooks, room and board, and even living expenses. The LendEDU Scholarship will be awarded to 2 students this Spring.

 

Who is Eligible?

  • The LendEDU Scholarship is available for high school seniors and current college students.
  • Please see the eligibility criteria below:
  • Must be a current high school senior or a full-time college student
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen
  • Must be earning a minimum 2.5 GPA in high school or college
  •  

How to Apply

At LendEDU, we stress the importance of students considering their future when choosing colleges to attend and managing money during their time on campus. To apply for the LendEDU Scholarship, you must answer the following simple question in 750 words or less. Please email your short essay in a document to [email protected].

 

"How do you plan to manage your finances in college and after graduation to be financially prosperous as a young adult?"

 

As college becomes more expensive, more students and their families are forced to take on student loan debt to fund their education. Many students, however, receive little personal finance education in high school and college and end up struggling when it comes time to start student loan repayment. This often leads to defaults and other struggles that can have implications that last a lifetime. What do you plan to do during college and after graduation to get yourself started on the right financial footing as a young adult?

 
 

Still need to find money to help pay for college?

Check out our private student loans guide to compare rates from our nation's top lenders!

 

 

Letters of Recommendation:

Some scholarships will require recommendation letters.

Ask early!! 

Provide some information about you!!

School Activities, Jobs, Volunteer/Charity work.

Need a transcript??

email: kelli.[email protected]

Need a transcript sent, please contact me with the name of the college and location.
If you would like it emailed to an admissions counselor, please include the email address.
 
Some colleges allow you to upload your transcript during the application process.  Check with your college when you apply.
Transcripts can be sent to you as a PDF to upload in your application. 

 

 

 

Quad Cities Community Foundation Scholarships
Deadline: January 19, 2025
 
The Quad Cities Community Foundation administers multiple scholarship funds, all started by donors who want to ensure students are able to continue their education at community colleges and four-year institutions. Over 60 scholarship applications are available through our website. When we include scholarships that are able to be renewed each year students are in school, these applications result in over $500,000 in scholarships being distributed by the Community Foundation every year to help students meet their higher education goals. 
We offer scholarships for students in Iowa, Illinois and both states. Scholarships are also available for students based on their financial need, their status in school (first-year, transfer or otherwise), and by trades they are interested in getting into.
 
Iowa Farm Bureau Federation Scholarship
Deadline: January 29, 2025
 
The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) is accepting applications for 27 graduating Iowa high school students to receive a $2,500 scholarship, renewable for four years (up to $10,000).  
 
Eligibility is reserved for current Iowa Farm Bureau members or their children in good standing with the organization. To be considered, the graduating high school student must have  a minimum 2.5 grade point average, be involved in extra-curricular activities, and accepted into an accredited higher education institution, including community colleges and technical schools.  
 
To apply, students must demonstrate their leadership and community involvement and describe how they would use a scholarship award to support Iowa Farm Bureau’s mission of creating a  vibrant future for agriculture, farm families and their communities.  

Each of IFBF’s 100 county Farm Bureaus will send one application from their county to be considered for the state award of which 27 students (three from each of Farm Bureau’s nine districts)  will be selected.
 
 
Children's Cancer Connection- Empowering Scholarship
Deadline: January 31, 2025
 
Since 1988, Children’s Cancer Connection has focused on the mission of connecting families affected by childhood cancer by providing opportunities that encourage relationships and strengthen community. The Ockenfels’ Family Foundation’s mission strives to be a caring member of the childhood cancer journey. The Ockenfels’ Family Foundation has joined Children’s Cancer Connection to support the Empowering Scholarships. 
 
Iowa State University - Hixson Award
Deadline: February 1, 2025
 
  • Mission Statement: The mission of the Hixson Opportunity Awards program at Iowa State University is to foster excellence and ensure the success of all participants. The Hixson program provides various academic, financial, and personal supports to recipients of this private scholarship program, named for Iowa native Christina Hixson.
 
Eligibility Requirements

Applicant must demonstrate financial need as determined by filing the FAFSA.

    • In order to be considered for the Hixson Opportunity Award, your FAFSA must be verified as complete when application review begins (approximately March 16, 2024) 
    • A delay in meeting the deadlines below will affect your eligibility for the Hixson Award 
    • Complete the following by the suggested deadlines:
      • File FAFSA by February 22 (Iowa State University deadline)
      • If selected for further verification, it is your responsibility to complete the process in time for application review (approximately March 16, 2024)
  1. Applicant must have faced challenges of personal and/or financial hardship and demonstrate this information in the student essay, recommendation and FAFSA
  2. Applicant must be a resident of Iowa
  3. Applicant must be admissible to Iowa State University
  4. Applicant must possess the potential to succeed 

These awards are designed to demonstrate Iowa State University's commitment to the student potential that exists in various ways beyond the measures of class rank or standardized test scores.

This scholarship is currently available to high school seniors graduating in 2024 who will be entering as a first-year student at Iowa State University in Fall 2024. This program will provide 100 undergraduates with $20,000 to be used over eight semesters. Selection is based on the student's county, eligibility and potential as demonstrated through the application, letter of recommendation, and financial need analysis. Students may major in any curriculum and must maintain a 2.00 cumulative grade point average for renewal. Recipients will be notified by May 1st.

 
GFWC/Iowa Federation of Women’s Clubs Scholarships
Deadline: February 1, 2025
 
The GFWC/Iowa Federation of Women’s Clubs is the proud sponsor of a scholarship program that is unique to the state of Iowa.  Each year, thousands of dollars are given to graduating Iowa High School seniors who will attend Iowa post-secondary schools. Scholarship awards are based on volunteerism, achievement, and financial need. Both male and female students are eligible.
 
High school students may apply for more than one scholarship but are only eligible to receive one. They must fill out a separate application for each scholarship; however, they may use the same letters of recommendation.
 
E. Lucille Miller Memorial Music Scholarship
$1,000 Open to a graduating high school senior majoring in Music at an accredited four-year Iowa college or university.
 
GFWC/Iowa Scholarship (Multiple to be Awarded)
$1,000 Open to a graduating high school senior enrolled in Undergraduate studies attending an accredited four-year Iowa college or university.
 
Community College Scholarship (Multiple to be Awarded)
$500 Open to a graduating high school senior enrolled in a 2-year accredited Iowa community college/technical school or other comparable accreditation/certification program.
 
Grand Lodge of Iowa, A.F. & A.M Scholarship
 
Grand Lodge of Iowa Masonic Scholarship
 
MCEC TECHNICAL SCHOLARSHIP -- GRAND LODGE OF IOWA, A.F. & A.M.
Scholarships will be awarded to a number of graduating Iowa high school seniors who plan to enroll in a mechanical or trade course of study at an accredited Iowa Community College.
 
Deadline: February 1, 2025
 
The Grand Lodge of Iowa, A.F. & A.M., located at 813 First Avenue SE, Cedar Rapids, will be awarding twenty-five scholarships (15 - $5000 scholarships and 10- $2500 scholarships) to high school seniors who will graduate during the 2024-2025 academic year from a public high school within the state of Iowa.

These scholarships are designed to assist graduating seniors in pursuing a post-secondary education in any state at an accredited institution which provides either a two year or a four-year degree. The scholarships may be used for any bona fide school related expense such as tuition, fees, and books.
 
Applicants are not required to have a Masonic connection, however, please indicate in your personal resume if you do have a Masonic connection. Race, creed, religion, color, sex, or national origin have no bearing in the selection process. Recipients are selected after completing a comprehensive written application and an in-depth personal interview.
Pearl Hull Falk Scholarship - University of Iowa
Deadline: March 3, 2025
 
MidWestOne Bank administers the Pearl Hull Falk Trust which provides funds for the Pearl Hull Falk Scholarship. Prior to her death in 1965, Pearl Hull Falk resided in Iowa City where her husband was a prominent banker during the early 1900’s. The trust was established under the Last Will and Testament of Mrs. Falk to provide annual scholarships to needy and worthy students attending the University of Iowa.
 
Each recipient of the Pearl Hull Falk Scholarship must be:
1. of a Protestant faith,
2. a resident of the State of Iowa, and
3. a full-time student at the University of Iowa
At least one of the recipients must be a member of an Episcopal Church, and at least one must be a young man who shows interest in and promise for a career in banking. All recipients must be of good character and have a good scholastic record. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered
 

Access Energy Scholarship

Deadline: March 15, 2025

Application

 

The Access Energy Cooperative Board of Directors has approved a scholarship program for high school students as follows:

  • Six $1500 awards, two in each of the cooperative’s three Districts (Click here to see a map of the Districts)

    • The first $500 will be awarded upon completion of the first semester with proof of enrollment for second semester

    • The remaining $1000 will be awarded upon completion of first semester of student’s second year with proof of enrollment for the following semester

  • Recipients must be a high school senior receiving post-secondary education

  • Recipient’s parents or legal guardians must be members of the cooperative

 
Access Energy - Lineworker Scholarship
Deadline: March 15, 2025
 

Scholarship Guidelines

Up to two $2000 scholarships will be awarded per year to students enrolled in a one- or two-year line worker program, such as the NW Iowa Community College Powerline program. Award recipients may become eligible for an internship at Access Energy Cooperative.

Selection criteria will be based on
• academics
• school, work, and community involvement,
• essay (see below), and
• interview at the cooperative office – scheduled in March
Timelines 
• Deadline for application is March 15th
• Awards will be announced by April 15th
• Scholarship awards are available until March 31st of the year following the award announcement
◦ Should an award recipient require more time to allow for acceptance in a qualified line worker program, an extension must be requested in writing prior to expiration of the award
Eligibility Requirements
• Must be a high school graduate
• Must maintain a grade point average of 2.5 or above
• Must reside in southeast Iowa in the general Access Energy Cooperative service area
◦ Preference may be given to an applicant who is a member, or dependent of a member, of Access Energy Cooperative
Disbursement of Awards
• Payment of the first $1000 will be made upon completion of the first semester, and proof of enrollment for the second semester has been received by the cooperative office
• Payment of the second $1000 will be made upon completion of the second semester, and proof of enrollment for the final semester has been received by the cooperative office.

Grand Commandery Knights Templar of Iowa Scholarship Application
Deadline: March 15, 2025
 
The Grand Commandery of Iowa Knights Templar of Iowa, whose office is located at P.O.  Box 1 Victor, Iowa will be awarding several scholarships to high school seniors who will graduate this academic year from a public high school within the state of Iowa. The scholarships will be awarded in the amount of $2000.00. 
 
The scholarships are designed to assist graduating seniors in pursuing a postsecondary education in any state at an accredited institution which provides a two- or four-year college program. The scholarships may be used for any bona fide school related expenses such as tuition, fees, and books. 

Applicants need not have a Masonic connection, nor do race, creed, religion, color, sex, or national origin have any bearing in the selection process. Recipients are selected after completing a comprehensive written application.

A broad-based criterion is used in the selection process. The principal criterion is service to school and community with special emphasis upon leadership roles in these areas. The Grand Commandery Knights Templar of Iowa is looking for those students who exhibit the greatest potential to be not only of service to their communities in the future but also leaders in these communities. An applicant’s academic record, communication skills, and need for financial assistance are also carefully considered as is an evaluation of the applicant by a school official. The organization, appearance, and completeness of the application are also 
factors considered by the selection committee. 

Public high school seniors who feel they meet the criteria for eligibility and selection are invited to submit applications. These applications may be obtained through the guidance department of any public high school and must be postmarked no later than March 15th for the application and all supporting materials in order to be considered by the committee.
 
 
Southeast Iowa Regional Fire Honor Guard Scholarship
Deadline:  March 15, 2025
 
The Southeast Iowa Regional Fire Honor Guard (SEIRFHG) believes that high school students furthering their education are a vital component of the academic experience. In support of that belief, the SEIRFHG annually sponsors a College Scholarship Program to reward students who succeed in the classroom while balancing a commitment to Fire, EMS, Law Enforcement, Dispatcher and/or Nursing.

The SEIRFHG will grant two $250 scholarships. Scholarships are awarded on an annual basis. The SEIRFHG College Scholarship Program Selection Committee determines the two recipients after reviewing all the applications.
Eligibility:
To be eligible for an SEIRFHG College Scholarship, students must meet all the following criteria:

 Be a graduating senior and have a family member who is part of Emergency Response (Fire, EMS, Law Enforcement agency, dispatcher and/or nurse )or you are involved in an emergency response role or you are planning to enroll in an emergency responder or medical course of study
 Have maintained a minimum high school GPA of 3.0,
 Plans to enroll full-time in a two or four-year credited college/university beginning the following fall
 Have submitted a complete application prior to the deadline of March 15, 2025

To Apply:
Applications must be completed fully. Please use the checklist below to ensure that you have completed all of the necessary requirements:
Personal Information & School History
One Brief Essay
Application Statement & Signature Sheet
Verification Page (GPA and Fire, EMS, Law Enforcement, Dispatcher, Nursing)
Henry County Cattlemen Scholarship
Deadline: March 28, 2025
 
The Henry County Cattlemen Scholarships are available to Henry County residents or those attending a high school in Henry County. The scholarship money will be paid out at the beginning of the second semester of his/her first year of continuing education following high school graduation. Agriculture related interest, financial need and personal attributes will be evaluated to determine the recipients.
 
Eligibility:

  • Applicants must be from a Henry County family or attend a Henry County high school and actively engage in an agricultural sector.

  • This scholarship is only available to incoming freshman students entering professions or vocations requiring at least a minimum of two years of college. (Applicants that are entering a non-Ag related field of study are eligible to apply as well.) If a recipient is not enrolled in the second semester of their freshman year, the scholarship money will be forfeited.
 
SFM Foundation 
Deadline: March 31, 2025
 
We know that serious work accidents don’t only affect the injured worker, they impact the entire family. The cost of college can be very overwhelming with a parent working fewer hours — or not at all. While we can’t ease the pain and suffering caused by your parent’s injury, we can help make college more affordable so you can pursue your dreams.
SFM Foundation scholarships may be used toward the costs of attending a two-year or four-year university, college, vocational school or graduate school. To qualify, students must have a parent who was disabled or fatally injured while working for Minnesota or Iowa employers. Scholarships are awarded up to a maximum of $15,000 a year.
To be eligible for a scholarship, you must:
  • Be the natural, adopted, step-child or full dependent of a worker injured or killed in a work-related accident during the course and scope of employment with an employer based in Minnesota or Iowa and entitled to receive benefits under the Minnesota Workers’ Compensation Act, Iowa Workers’ Compensation Act or other comparable benefit program exclusive to work-related injuries.
  • Be a Minnesota or Iowa resident between the ages of 16 and 27 at the time of the application.
  • Be a citizen of the United States or a lawful permanent resident.
  • Have a high school diploma, GED or be a high school student in good standing. Academic achievement, aptitude, extracurricular activities, number of hours the applicant works and community service of the applicant are all considered. Grade point average will be reviewed against the number of hours the applicant works and his or her community involvement.
  • Be pursuing a primary college or university degree (bachelor’s or associate’s), vocational education and training (certificate or license) or master’s degree from an accredited school.
  • Demonstrate financial need.
  • Submit a completed application.
 
 
 

Panther Scholar Dollars

Deadline: March 31, 2025

Application

 

Return completed applications to Kelli.

Please submit two letters of recommendation. These letters may be from a

teacher, coach, extracurricular activity sponsor or administrator. These letters should be returned to you in a sealed envelope.

See Application for More Information

2025- Henry County Pork Producers Scholarship
Application must be postmarked by March 31, 2025
 
REQUIREMENTS:
Applicant must be a senior currently attending a high school in Henry County. 
Student will be attending a two or four year college in the fall.
Scholarship awards will be made directly to the recipients, at the beginning of the second semester.
Student must be going into an agricultural related field.
Submit 2 letters of reference.
$500 scholarships will be awarded

Randy Jay Roth Scholarship

Deadline: March 31, 2025

Application

 

 

Randy Jay Roth was a lifetime resident of Henry County, Iowa who farmed and worked in the crop insurance business.  Randy served his community, friends, and family by helping with maintenance and repairs of all kinds.


This scholarship is for students who plan to enroll in a vocational/technical or agricultural related program at an accredited school, and who have demonstrated  a strong work ethic and service to their community.


A scholarship in the amount of $500 will be awarded the first year and is eligible for renewal up to 4 years.  The award maybe used for any school related expenses, including tuition, fees, course materials, and tools.


Randy was a graduate of WACO High School. His children also attended WACO, and his grandchildren attend(ed) Mt. Pleasant and Piper High School. Students from the following school districts are eligible for the scholarship: 

  • Waco Community HS (Wayland, Iowa)
    Mt. Pleasant Community HS (Mt. Pleasant, Iowa)
  • Piper High School (Kansas City, Kansas)

Mt. Pleasant Noon Rotary Scholarship
Deadline: April 15, 2025
 
Return completed applications to Kelli

ASSOCIATES, BACCALAUREATE, TECHNICAL PROGRAMS
 
On a separate sheet, write a brief statement (350-500 words)
Leadership: What does leadership mean to you and illustrate it by describing a meaningful leadership experience you have had within the last
two years.
 
Service to others (Volunteerism): How do you see volunteerism as an important community asset and within the last two years, what is the most important experience you have had in serving others?
 
Showing Fairness and Respect for Others: Building a community is based on being fair to all and honoring others through respect. Please describe an experience you have had in which you exhibited fairness or respect to someone else or in which someone did the same for you.

 
P.E.O. Chapter OX Scholarship 
Deadline: April 11, 2025
 

P.E.O. is a Philanthropic Educational Organization founded here in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, on the campus of Iowa Wesleyan University in 1869.  P.E.O. members are committed to helping women pursue higher education.  Therefore, Chapter OX in Mt. Pleasant has established a $1,000.00 scholarship to be awarded to a female high school graduate of Mt. Pleasant Community Schools or Mt. Pleasant Christian School who resides in Henry County, Iowa, and is enrolling at any accredited community college or university in the state of Iowa as a full-time student.  No specific major is required.  This scholarship will be deposited in the student’s account and applied toward tuition, which includes books.  

 

Please type your responses on the application listed below and submit your completed application to the Student Services office by Friday, April 11, 2025.  We ask that you give two names along with their contact information as a personal reference.  One should be a teacher who is familiar with you and the other a personal reference of your choice.

 

A Certificate of Award will be given during the Senior Awards program prior to graduation.  Upon proof of enrollment, a check will be given to said accredited institution to be applied toward the recipient’s tuition.  A first and second alternate will be chosen in the event the recipient does not complete enrollment at said institution by the fall of 2025.  The identity of the alternates will not be revealed unless the original recipient fails to qualify.