Scholarship Opportunities

The Citizens Scholarship awards a monthly prize of $2,500 and a grand prize of $15,000. Both students and their parents/sponsors can enter*! No essays, no report cards—just a couple easy steps and you’re entered. The Citizens Scholarship is giving away $2,500 every month to students and parents. If you don’t win this month, you could win next month and you’re automatically entered for the annual grand prize of $15,000. With all that, you’re made ready for success.

More information and application

Deadline: July 1, 2024 - March 1, 2025
 

Regional and National scholarships of $1,000 -- $20,000, selection based on excellence in leadership, academics, activities, service/volunteer.  

More information and application

Deadline: September 30

Scholarships of varying amounts for seniors who are members of the National Honor Society. Selection includes academics (GPA and Test Scores), volunteer and service, and leadership. Recommendations and essays are required.  NHS Advisor must enter a verification code prior to students applying.  

More information and application

Application opens: September 16
Deadline: November 26
 

The Iowa Financial Know-How Challenge: Senior Scholarship awards a $2,000 college scholarship to 30 Iowa high school students each year. All participants experience two online tools to help them understand ways to reduce borrowing to pay for college and receive emailed tips on planning and paying for college.

More information and application

Opening September 4
Deadline: December 2

Profile in Courage Scholarship Essay Contest: Scholarships based on original student essays about political leaders who have demonstrated courage. 

More information and application

Opening September 1. 

Deadline: January 17

Multiple scholarship programs offering scholarship assistance to seniors and juniors based on academic achievement, leadership and students who have overcome difficulties/obstacles.

View the application and more information.
Deadline: March 1

Established in 1947, our Voice of Democracy audio-essay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay. Each year, nearly 64,500 9-12 grade students from across the country enter to win their share of more than $2 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the program. The national first place winner receives a $30,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college or vocational/technical school.

More information and application

Deadline: October 31
 

Eligibility:

• Be a current high school senior, or the equivalent, who are citizens of the United States and show financial need.
   
• You do not have to be a member (or the dependent of a member) of the Elks to qualify.
   
• High school graduates are not eligible to apply.
   
• Applicants must be citizens of the United States on the date their applications are submitted; permanent legal resident status does not qualify.

More information and application

Deadline: November 12

Distracted driving, including due to texting and other cell phone use, is a serious issue that leads to hundreds of thousands of accidents and injuries in the United States each year. The problem is especially prominent among teen and young adult drivers, and teens are also at a greater risk of being the victim of a distracted driving accident.

At Kanoski Bresney, we want to support students who do their part to fight the problem of distracted driving. Through the Kansoki Bresney Stand Up to Distracted Driving Scholarship program, we are offering five scholarships, in the amount of $1,000 each, to students in the U.S. who are pursuing higher education at the undergraduate or graduate level. 

Eligibility:

• You are a high school senior who will be starting your college or university education in 2025.

• You are a U.S. citizen.

• You have a current overall GPA of at least 3.0.

More information and application

Deadline: November 13

Scholarships of varying amounts for seniors who are members of the National Honor Society. Selection includes academics (GPA and Test Scores), volunteer and service, and leadership. Recommendations and essays are required.  NHS Advisor must enter a verification code prior to students applying.  

More information and application

Application opens: September 16
Deadline: November 26
 

The Iowa Financial Know-How Challenge: Senior Scholarship awards a $2,000 college scholarship to 30 Iowa high school students each year. All participants experience two online tools to help them understand ways to reduce borrowing to pay for college and receive emailed tips on planning and paying for college.

More information and application

Opening September 4
Deadline: December 2

The Lamber-Goodnow Injury Law Team (an award-winning personal injury law firm serving Phoenix, Denver & Chicago) awards several academic scholarships to students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees in a range of programs and schools. Winners also get a free, one-hour consultation with a college admissions counseling firm that can help show winners how to get into a top college. Follow the links below to find out more about each of our scholarship opportunities:

• College Scholarship – Two for $1,000 each

• Nursing Scholarship – One for $1,000

• Law School Scholarship – One for $1,000

• Medical School Scholarship – One for $1,000

• Physical Therapist / Occupational Therapist Scholarship – One for $1,000

• Summer College Scholarship – One for $1000

• Summer Law School Scholarship – One for $1000

More information and application

Deadline: December 1

Multiple scholarship programs offering scholarship assistance to seniors and juniors based on academic achievement, leadership and students who have overcome difficulties/obstacles.

View the application and more information.
Deadline: March 1

North American Van Lines, one of the leading moving companies in the United States, is committed to supporting the community as well as the growth and development of the moving services and logistics industries. We believe education is the best way to ensure our industry has qualified professionals for years to come. Because of this belief, we are proud to announce our first annual Logistics Scholarship contest. Three lucky qualified entrants will each win a $1,000 scholarship towards their degree in logistics or supply chain management at the college or university of their choice.

More information and application

Deadline: December 15

Profile in Courage Scholarship Essay Contest: Scholarships based on original student essays about political leaders who have demonstrated courage. 

More information and application

Opening September 1. 

Deadline: January 17

The Jim Hallihan Character Legacy Scholarship was created by his family in memory of a wonderful husband, father, brother, uncle, coach and friend. Jim believed that good character was even more important than grades, success in sports, or excelling in other talents. He believed in mentoring young people and often talked about the biblical principle of how challenges in life create perseverance which builds character and leads to hope.

The scholarship will provide applicants with the opportunity to share some of those challenges and experiences where their character was tested, and they prevailed with good decisions and caring actions. We hope to provide opportunities for first generation college students and/or underrepresented populations on a college campus. Through stories and narratives, the focus will be on community service, volunteering, involvement in religious organizations and schools, and references of good character.

View the application and more information. Deadline: March 1, 2025. 

Profile in Courage Scholarship Essay Contest: Scholarships based on original student essays about political leaders who have demonstrated courage. 

More information and application

Opening September 1. 

Deadline: January 17

Each year, the U.S. Junior Chamber International (JCI) Senate Foundation grants $1,500 scholarships to graduating high school seniors who plan to continue their education at an accredited post-secondary college or university.  Scholarships of $1,000 will be awarded to graduating high school seniors who plan to attend an accredited vocational or industrial school. The number of grants awarded annually is at the discretion of the Foundation and must be used for educational expenses in the first year of full-time study. Checks awarded will be made out in the name of the recipient and the educational institution of the recipient’s choice

More information and application

Deadline: January 17

To be considered for the scholarships, a graduating high school student must have a minimum 2.5 cumulative grade point average (GPA), be involved in extracurricular activities, and be accepted into an accredited higher education institution (including community colleges and technical schools), seeking a major and/or minor in an ag-related field or one that will support rural Iowa.

View the application and more information.
Deadline: January 29

The Society of American Military Engineers (SAME), Rock Island Post, has a scholarship trust fund to encourage and support talented students in their pursuit of careers in engineering and the physical sciences. 

View the application and more information.
Deadline: February 21
 

The Iowa Credit Union Foundation will award the Warren A. Morrow Scholarships to high school seniors and post-high school students pursuing post-secondary education at an accredited vocational, undergraduate or graduate program during the 2025-2026 school year

View the application and more information.
Deadline: February 7
 

Veridian will award four $2,500 scholarships to high school seniors and four $2,500 scholarships to post-high school students pursuing post-secondary education at an accredited vocational, undergraduate or graduate program during the 2025-2026 school year. Applicants must be the primary owner on a Veridian account.

View the application and more information.
Deadline: February 7
 

We are the Professional Association for Environmental Health specialists in Iowa. We are involved in environmental and public education, reviewing existing and pending environmental health legislation and community service. We are proud to have taken a leading role in the development of groundwater, wastewater management and swimming pool regulations, food service personnel certification programs and well contractor certifications. We are started a scholarship program in 2016.

To be eligible for this scholarship, recipients must be:

• A resident of the State of Iowa.
• A high school senior OR a non-traditional student returning to college in the State of Iowa.
• Currently a full-time student at any college, university, or community college in the State of Iowa.
• Recipient must be majoring in Environmental Health or a related field.

View the application and more information. Deadline: February 1

Scholarships for seniors planning a career in an area of the newspaper industry. 

More information and application

Deadline: February 14
 

Entrants must be a GreenState member “in good standing” prior to submitting a scholarship entry form. Note: Entrants must be the primary owner of a GreenState account to qualify for consideration.  Membership of a parent or guardian of the entrant is not sufficient.

Entry Requirements

• Entrants must complete and sign the official entry form.
• Entrants must submit an official high school transcript.
• Entrants must submit one letter of recommendation.
• Entrants must write an original essay up to 500 words on the following topic:
• Tell us about your volunteer experience and why it is important to you.

More information and application: Here. Deadline: February 29

The James B. Morris Scholarship Fund (MSF) provides financial assistance, motivation and opportunities for minority students pursuing postsecondary and graduate degrees. The MSF provides this assistance to high-achieving minority individuals who demonstrate strong academic performance, community service and a need for financial aid. The MSF provides minority students with an opportunity to learn, grow, and become professionals in their chosen careers while assisting Iowa communities with the retention of a diverse pool of talent.

View the application and more information.
Deadline: February 28

Team Type 1 funds college scholarships of up to $10,000 to help young, talented athletes with type 1 diabetes off-set the cost of diabetes care so they can focus on what matters…their health and their college education. Awards recognize athletes who demonstrate an ability to balance both academic and sporting commitments, promote healthy living with successful diabetes management through exercise, and who desire to inspire and empower others through meaningful diabetes community engagement.

View the application and more information. Opens February through March.

$5000 scholarships for students planning to attend the University of Iowa – eligibility criteria include: must be of the Protestant faith, resident of the State of Iowa, and plan to attend University of Iowa full-time. Selection includes good academics and character. 

More information and application

Deadline: March 3
 

The Hagan Scholarship provides up to $7,500 each semester for up to 8 consecutive semesters, providing recipients with the opportunity to graduate college debt-free. 

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must graduate from a public, private, charter, magnet, or STEM high school
• Must have achieved 3.5 GPA
• Must enroll in eligible college or university the first semester following graduation
• Must maintain a 4 year or less graduation schedule
• Must work 240 hours prior to commencement of the fall semester in college
• Applicants Adjusted Gross Household Income reported for 2022 Federal Income Tax Purposes must not have exceeded $100,000.

Applications are due by March 15, 2025

The Jim Hallihan Character Legacy Scholarship was created by his family in memory of a wonderful husband, father, brother, uncle, coach and friend. Jim believed that good character was even more important than grades, success in sports, or excelling in other talents. He believed in mentoring young people and often talked about the biblical principle of how challenges in life create perseverance which builds character and leads to hope.

The scholarship will provide applicants with the opportunity to share some of those challenges and experiences where their character was tested, and they prevailed with good decisions and caring actions. We hope to provide opportunities for first generation college students and/or underrepresented populations on a college campus. Through stories and narratives, the focus will be on community service, volunteering, involvement in religious organizations and schools, and references of good character.

View the application and more information. Deadline: March 1, 2025. 

The Iowa Automobile Dealers Foundation Scholarships will award up to 15 scholarships of $3,000 each to selected students in the Spring. The scholarships will be awarded to students pursuing automotive-related studies, including auto, collision, or diesel technology; sales; accounting;marketing; or business administration. Scholarships can be used for tuition or to purchase tools necessary for technicians.

View the application and more information

Deadline: March 1

Iowa United Methodist Foundation has over 100 scholarships available for the 2021-2022 school year. There are scholarships specifically for graduating high school seniors, general scholarships for students going to non-Methodist colleges, scholarships for students going to United Methodist colleges and seminary scholarships designated for individuals following the call to join the ministry. Information and application: Here. Scholarship applications are open December 1 – March 1 annually.

Open to current high school juniors in eastern Iowa, this program offers a unique opportunity to gain valuable leadership skills and earn a 4-H Scholarship. You do not need to be a current Iowa 4-H member to apply for the Leadership Scholarship program. For current High School Juniors- Hills Bank Leadership Grant, applicants will also need 2 letters of recommendation from either a community member, employer, or volunteer and from a school teacher or academic advisor. Within the application is a section to send the request to each reference for a letter to be submitted on your behalf.  Please begin your application in a timely fashion to give your references time to submit their letter. More information and application: Here.  Deadline: March 1

Ten $1,000 academic scholarships and scholarships for students planning to pursue Industrial Arts/Technology/Trade careers in college.  More Details and Scholarship Application: Here.  Deadline:  March 2

The Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities (IAMU) is pleased to offer two scholarship programs this year – a scholarship program for students pursuing a post-secondary program with a utility focus and a general scholarship program for children or grandchildren of IAMU member employees. $2,000 scholarship will be distributed to the educational institution. 

To be eligible for consideration, candidates must:

• Live in a residence that is a verified customer of an IAMU member or attend a high school that is a verified customer of an IAMU member. If you are unsure whether your local area is an IAMU member, contact your city hall.
• Be a 2023 graduating high school senior or have previously graduated from high school.
• Be attending a post high school education program located in Iowa in the fall of 2023.

More details and information: Here. Deadline: March 6

The Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities (IAMU) is pleased to offer two scholarship programs this year – a scholarship program for students pursuing a post-secondary program with a utility focus and a general scholarship program for children or grandchildren of IAMU member employees. $500 will be distributed to the educational institution.  

• To be eligible for consideration, candidates must:
• Attend college/technical school within the state of Iowa.
• Have a parent/grandparent/legal guardian who is an employee of an IAMU-verified member.
• Have a 3.0 minimum GPA.

More details and information:Here.  Deadline: March 6

For a student to be eligible for the scholarship program, they must be graduating from high school in 2024 and their parent/guardian must be an Eastern Iowa Light & Power Cooperative member. 

Applications are due by March 12th, 2025. 

Multiple scholarship programs offering scholarship assistance to seniors and juniors based on academic achievement, leadership and students who have overcome difficulties/obstacles.

View the application and more information.
Deadline: March 1

DPO Education Scholarships are awarded to graduating ICCSD college-bound seniors planning to devote their careers to teaching in public schools.  The scholarships are funded with donations collected each year by the DPO from ICCSD school PTOs, community groups, and individuals as they recognize volunteers, students, and current and retiring staff who have made an impact in the schools.  The number of awards varies each year depending on donations in support of the scholarship and the number of applications received. 

View the application and more information

**Required**Academic Reference

Deadline: March 10

FFBC awards annual scholarships to outstanding Iowa high school seniors who fight homophobia and educate their schools and/or communities about lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBTQ) issues. Academic excellence, extracurricular activities and community involvement also factor into the awards.  The scholarships are $3,000 each. The number of awards varies each year based on the number and quality of applicants and the funds available.  Applicants must be Iowa residents.

More Details and Scholarship Application: here. Deadline: March 15

The Autism Society of Iowa has four different college scholarship opportunities for students who are on the autism spectrum or who plan to work in the field of autism upon completion of their post-secondary education. 

View the application and more information. 
Deadline: March 1

 This $1500 scholarship is a one-time award, designed to assist first-generation college/university students who are pursuing a degree in a STEM field. Applicants must satisfy the following criteria to be eligible to apply for this scholarship:

• Be a senior at a Johnson County public high school
• Achieve a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher
• Be a first-generation college student
• Plan to attend a 2-year or 4-year college or university
• Plan to major in a STEM field

More information and application: here. Deadline: March 15

This $2,000 scholarship is a one-time award, designed to assist senior high school students who are pursuing a degree in Education from a post-secondary institution in the state of Iowa.

More Details and application: here. Deadline: March 15

The Outstanding Youth in Agriculture Scholarship is a one-time, $2,500 award designed to support students who have shown leadership and interest in agriculture and who will continue to study and/or work in a field related to agriculture. The application includes a one-page essay on future goals and barriers to achieving those goals.

More information and application: here. Deadline: March 15

This $2,500 scholarship is a one-time award, designed to assist senior high school students who are pursuing post-secondary education or a trade school program or certification.

More information and application: here. Deadline: March 15

The Svatos Engineering Endowed Scholarship is a one-time, $750 award to one student. The application includes a one-page essay on personal interest in engineering and barriers which may prevent the student from becoming an engineer.

More information and application: here. Deadline: March 15

9th-12th grade students may enter for a chance to earn one of the 45 $1,000 deposits into a College Savings 529 account. 

Visit www.iowastudentloan.org/enter by March 29, 2024.

The SFM Foundation/Kids Chance provides scholarships to students whose parents were killed or seriously injured in workplace accidents while working for Minnesota or Iowa' employers. Scholarships are awarded up to a maximum of $10,000 a year, and are renewable for two years for a 2-year program, and up to 5 years for a bachelor’s degree. More information and application: Here. Deadline: March 31

The Iowa Financial Know-How Challenge: Senior Scholarship awards a $2,000 college scholarship to 30 Iowa high school students each year. All participants experience two online tools to help them understand ways to reduce borrowing to pay for college and receive emailed tips on planning and paying for college.

More information and application

Opening September 4
Deadline: December 2

Each year, the Chapter selects two individuals to receive a one-time $1000 scholarship. The scholarship award is disbursed as follows: $500 for fall semester and $500 for spring semester. Award checks will be made payable to the recipient and the school the recipient is attending. Applicants must be a resident of Iowa and have been accepted to or enrolled as either an online or resident student in a nationally or regionally accredited college, university, or vocational/technical school. Applicants must major in a field of education promoting a career in one of the following professions or area of study: Fire Service, Fire Science, Law Enforcement, Law, Fire Protection Engineering, Fire Protection Technology, or Insurance

View the application and more information.
Deadline: March 30

The Momentum Scholarship is designed to encourage juniors (class of 2026) to start applying for financial aid early. One lucky high school junior will win a $1,000 scholarship for proactively applying this winter. No essay required. 

The deadline for this opportunity is Monday, March 31st.

Create an account and apply now

Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

• Current high school seniors enrolling in an accredited post-secondary school

• Must be entering the construction field or trades or be a family member of an HBA member

• Must reside in Johnson, Washington, Iowa, or Cedar Counties in Iowa

View more details and the scholarship application.

Deadline: March 31

The Des Moines Mothers of Multiples (DMMOM) club is a non-profit organization founded in 1959 for the educational and support needs of parents of multiples. We are proud to offer one $750 scholarship for a multiple birth student pursuing enrollment or currently enrolled in a college, university, trade or vocational school.

View the application and more information.
Deadline: April 1

The Scott and Kim Verplank Foundation provides annually, renewable college scholarships to students beginning their undergraduate studies of up to $10,000 to be used toward tuition, student fees, and books. Scholarships are renewable for up to a maximum of four years for any one recipient based on completing the renewal requirements. Recipients are selected from a pool of applicants meeting the following criteria.

Minimum Criteria

• High School Senior (students already in college are not eligible)
• Childhood diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes
• Successfully managing diabetes with proper medication, exercise and diet
• Commitment to education by maintaining in excess of a 3.0 grade point average
• Commitment to participating in athletics by actively participating on an organized team
• United States Citizen
• Completion of application with supporting documentation and endorsements

View the application and more information. Deadline: April 15.

The Herbert Hoover Uncommon Student Award is a $10,000 scholarship program for Iowa high school juniors. The program is designed to attract students who are motivated and community minded. The award, which honors Herbert Hoover, an Iowa native and the 31st President of the United States, identifies approximately 15 Iowa high school juniors who propose and then accomplish projects of their own design. The projects the students propose should demonstrate the values that Herbert Hoover exemplified in his life of public service.

Grades, test scores, essays, and financial need are not evaluated. Each of the 15 finalists will receive a $1,500 cash award at the completion of the program. Four of those could earn an additional $10,000 scholarship each, for a total of $11,500!

More information and application: Here. Deadline: April 1

The Cedar Valley Detachment of the Marine Corps League is pleased to offer a $500 Scholarship. The applicant or the applicant’s sponsoring relative must be eligible for regular membership in the Marine Corps League. The sponsoring relative may be a parent, sibling or grandparent. This includes step-parents, step siblings and step grandparents.

More information and application: Here. Deadline: April 1

CNA Free Training provides free training materials for those preparing to take the CNA exam, which is a requirement in order to become a licensed CNA. We have free practice tests for each section of the CNA exam, as well as supplemental training materials that can be used while taking CNA classes – all of which are free. 

Information and application: Here. 
Deadline: April 1

In honor of former Iowa State University basketball player Brian Pearson, who died of brain cancer in the fall of 1997, the Iowa Games began awarding the Brian Pearson Memorial Scholarship in 1998. One $1,000 scholarship annually will be awarded to one male and one female Iowan. Throughout the selection process, the degree of participation in the Iowa Games will be given consideration, as well as the applicant’s display of character.

More Details and Scholarship Application: Here. 
Deadline: April 1

Leadership, service, and involvement are ideals fostered by the Kiwanis organization. The Old Capitol Kiwanis Scholarships are designed to recognize "all-around" students for contributions made to their schools, homes, and communities. Students honored will have demonstrated positive leadership, unselfish service, and willing involvement. This award is open to any graduating senior at an Iowa City Community Schools High School who intends to further his/her education at a post-secondary institution of higher learning. Grade point average is not a criterion for selection.

More information and application

Deadline: April 4

The Iowa City Area Association of REALTORS® (ICAAR) Scholarship Foundation is happy to announce the opening of applications for the 2023 ICAAR Community Service Scholarship Program. We have designated $4,000 to be split between multiple recipients that are graduating seniors at high schools within the ICAAR service area (Cedar, Iowa, Johnson,  Washington and Muscatine Counties). The student must attend school in one of the aforementioned counties. More information and application:Here.  Deadline: April 14

The 2024 Student View Scholarship Program is offering over $14,000 worth of scholarships to high school seniors who plan to attend a four year college, community/junior college or career school. The program includes:

• One $10,000 scholarship
• Two $1,000 scholarships
• Five $500 scholarships

Log on to www.studentview.com and complete the application survey by April 23, 2024. 

The Bertell family is pleased to announce a scholarship in Matt Bertell’s name. Matt Bertell was born and raised in Iowa City. Matt graduated from West High School in Iowa City in 2016. Matt loved bowling and bowled all 4 years of high school on the West High bowling team. After graduation from West High, Matt went on to the University of Iowa, where he was a Sport Management Major, and also bowled competitively on the University of Iowa Bowling Club team.

The Scholarship will be awarded annually, with at least one $1,000 award, or two $500 awards (to multiple recipients). Additional scholarship awards will be presented any year when additional funds are available for distribution. The scholarship award decisions will be made and communicated by May 3rd each year, with tuition payments made directly to the attending institution(s) that fall (August/September), before the tuition payments are due.

View the application and more information. Deadline: April 30.

The Ag Coop Safety Directors of Iowa Scholarship is open to high school Seniors looking to go on to a career in an Agriculture or Safety related field and must be planning to attend college/university during the upcoming school year. Applicants will be required to fill out a simple application and submit an essay on “What does Ag Safety mean to you?”. One letter of recommendation from a non-family member is also required.

More information and application: Here. Deadline: April 15

Each year, Elevate awards 15 $500 scholarships to high school seniors who are attending an Iowa Community College in the fall for a career in advanced manufacturing. Examples of eligible training programs include welding, computer numerically controlled (CNC) machining, industrial automation, industrial maintenance, robotics, tool and die, and transportation and logistics. Each community college will be recognized.

View more information and the application.

Deadline: May 2

Three (3) scholarships, in the amount of $1,000, will be awarded to high school seniors (college or trade school bound) or currently enrolled college students pursuing a degree at a two or four-year accredited college/university. Students must be attending high school, trade school, or college in Linn or Johnson counties.

Applications are due by June 15th, 2024. 

The Catherine McAuley Scholarship program at Mt. Mercy University offers free tuition to Iowa students whose family income is $50,000 or less annually.  The scholarship helps cover tuition costs (and future tuition increases) and is renewable for all four years. More Details and Scholarship Application: Here. Deadline: June 30