Scholarship Opportunities for Seniors

**Looking to get ahead? - Peruse the 2017-2018 Scholarship List. Once new applications and deadlines have been announced - they will be added below. Please note that some scholarships may not be available from year to year. 

Local and Statewide Scholarships 

  • ICAN Scholarship Database 
    • Various Deadlines 
  • Horatio Alger Scholarship 
    • Be enrolled full time as a high school senior in the United States; be progressing normally toward graduation in spring/summer of 2019 with plans to enter a college in the United States no later than the fall following graduation
    • Exhibit a strong commitment to pursue and complete a bachelor’s degree at an accredited non-profit public or private institution in the United States (students may start their studies at a two-year institution and then transfer to a four-year institution)
    • Demonstrate critical financial need ($55,000 or lower adjusted gross family income is required)
    • Be involved in co-curricular and community service activities
    • Display integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity
    • Maintain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0; and
    • Be a United States citizen
    • Deadline - October 25, 2018
  • ACT College and Career Readiness Champion Scholarship
    • High school seniors who have overcome challenges and can articulate their education and/or career actions. 
    • At a minimum, students must have a composite ACT® score of 22 on a single test date OR a Gold ACT® WorkKeys®National Career Readiness Certificate®.
    • Deadline - October 31, 2018
  • Elks National Foundation: Most Valuable Student 
    • Deadline - November 15, 2018
  • Hagan Foundation Scholarship 
    • --Must be a U.S. Citizen.
      --Must attend an Eligible Public High School.
      --Must be a student in the 2019 high school graduating class.
      --Must have achieved a high school Cummulative GPA of 3.50 or higher.
      --Must have scored 23 or higher on the ACT (Composite Score) or 1,200 on the SAT.
      --Must enroll at an eligible four-year college the first semester following high school graduation.
      --Must work 240 hours in the twelve months prior to the start of college; from August 2018 to August 2019.
      --Must complete the FAFSA in 2018 using 2017 tax return information; the EFC must not exceed $6,500.
      --Must apply for eligible Federal and State grants.
      --Must not have been convicted of a felony.
      --The intended recipient of a Hagan Scholarship is a high achieving self-motivated student in need of financial    assistance in order to attend college
    • Deadline - November 15, 2018
  • Iowa College Student Aid Commission
    • Grants & Scholarships for students once applied for FAFSA
  • Iowa Financial Know-How Challenge: Senior Scholarship
    • To qualify for the scholarship, students must:
      • Register online Oct. 22, 2018–Feb. 22, 2019.
      • Complete two online financial literacy tutorials and a related online assessment created by Iowa Student Loan.
  • Rove Pest Control Scholarship
    • Deadline - December 31, 2018
  • National Wild Turkey Federation's - Dr. James Earl Kennamer Scholarship
    • Eligibility Flyer
    • Local Chapter
      • Ottumwa, IA
      • Wapello County Struttin' Toms, IA
      • For information on this chapter, contact:
    • Deadline - January 1, 2019 
  • Iowa School Counselor Association High School Senior Scholarship 
    • For 12th grade students attending a high school in Iowa
    • Applicants must submit a 250 word (maximum) essay about a school counselor who made a difference during their K-12 career.
    • The winner will be announced during National School Counseling Week.
    • Deadline - January 4, 2019
  • United States JCI Senate Foundation Scholarship 
    • Must be sent to: 
      • John Buttolph #46346
      • 2823 Northwood Drive 
      • Ames, IA 50010
    • Deadline - January 11, 2019 
  • NIAAA Student Athlete Scholarship
    • Applicant must be a senior in high school
    • Applicant must have achieved at least two (2) of the following: (a) minimum of B+ average; (b)ranked in the top 25% of class; (c) ACT score of 24 or an SAT score of 1100 (Math and Reading)
    • Applicant must have participated in two sports for at least two years in each sport
    • Applicant must have earned at least one varsity letter in each of two sports
    • Applicant must complete attached scholar/essay application
    • Applicant must have a letter of recommendation from the high school athletic administrator/director
    • School athletic administrator/director must be an NIAAA member and a member of their respective state athletic administrators association
    • The principal or athletic administrator/director must sign the application to ensure that the academic information submitted is accurate
    • All hard copy materials must be postmarked or electronic materials sent to the NIAAA Liaison in your respective state by your states deadline.
      • **Make sure to have your application signed by Mr. Maas or Mr. Egbert 
      • **Recommendations - make sure your give them plenty of time to write them and sign the application
    • Deadline - January 30, 2019
  • Garrett's Path College Scholarship
    • Must be a high school senior 
    • Must have a 3.0 GPA
    • February 1, 2019
  • Grand Lodge of Iowa - Masonic Scholarship Application
    • Applicants need not to have a Masonic connection 
    • Deadline - February 1, 2019
  • Seaboard Foods: Children of Employees Scholarship Program 
    • For seniors who have at least one parent/guardian who works for one of the following divisions: Seaboard Foods, High Plains Bioenergy and/or Seaboard Transport
    • Applications open on December 17, 2018
    • Deadine - February 1, 2019
  • Community Scholarship Program - Sponsored by Seaboard Foods
    • Applicant must live in Wapello County 
    • All applicants must be graduating high school seniors.
    • All applicants must enroll full-time in a higher education institution of their choice (technical school, two-year college, or four-year college) for the 2018-2019 academic year.
    • All applicants must have submitted the application online.  No paper applications will be accepted.
    • Incomplete applications will not be scored. 
    • Applications open on December 17, 2018
    • Deadline - February 1, 2019
  • Iowa 4-H Foundation Scholarship
    • Deadline - February 1, 2019
  • United Way of Wapello County Benson Scholarship 
    • Residents living in or attending school in Wapello County are eligible
    • Alignment of current or future endeavors to the United Way mission (as stated in the attached essay
    • A background check will be performed prior to funds being awarded
      • Background checks will be performed on those individuals who are selected for a scholarship
      • Background checks costs will be paid by United Way of Wapello County
    • Minimum 2.5 GPA during the two most recent semesters of enrollment (high school or post-secondary education)
    • Deadline - February 1 - April 1, 2019
  • Iowa National Guard Scholarships 
    • Deadline - Various, depends on scholarships 
  • Drake Physics Prize
    • Any student, freshman-senior year can apply 
    • Applicants must take an exam covering topics normally studied in thefirst semester of high school physics 
    • Must be registered by Monday, February 4, 2019 by 1:00 PM
    • Please let Ms. Eakins know if you have registered for proctoring purposes 
  • National FFA Collegiate Scholarships 
    • 2018-2019 Scholarship Catalog 
    • Deadline - February 6, 2019
  • Hy-Vee Foundation Scholarship
    • Deadline - February 8, 2019 
  • Iowa Newspaper Foundation (INF) Scholarship
    • Deadline - February 15, 2019
  • Fahrney Educational Foundation Scholarship 
    • Applicant must be a current resident of Wapello County, Iowa.
    • Applicant must have resided in Wapello County for 1 or more years.
    • Applicant must be attending a college/university in Iowa.
    • Applicant must be enrolled in a full-time course of study in a 2-year Iowa college associate of arts or science program leading to a 4-year course of study and bachelor degree OR enrolled in a 4-year accredited Iowa college or university leading toward a bachelor degree or post-graduate degree.
    • Deadline - February 15, 2019
  • H.L. Taylor Scholarship 
    • Deadline - February 15, 2019
  • Conservation Districts of Iowa Scholarship
    • Deadline - February 15, 2019
  • Mark Earl and Esther Ruth Spencer Technical Scholarsips
    • For seniors planning to enroll in a mechanical or trade course of study at an accreditied Iowa Community College
    • Deadline - Postmarked no later than March 1, 2019
  • Edward J. Schwartz Perpetual Educational Trust Fund Scholarship
    • Applicant must live in Wapello County 
    • Applicant must be enrolled in full time undergraduate course study at St. Ambrose University, University of Iowa, Iowa State University or the University of Northern Iowa. 
    • Deadline - March 1, 2019 
  • J. Ralph and Gladys Meier Scholarship Trust
    • This trust was created exclusively for educational purposes. It allows students who have graduated or will graduate from high schools in Wapello, Keokuk, and Mahaska counties and who are scholastically ranked in the upper one half of their graduation class to apply for the scholarship. 
    • Deadline- postmarked by March 1, 2019
  • Iowa Automobile Dealers Foundation for Education 
    • Applicants must be committed to the pursuit of automotive-related studies, such as technician training, body shop/collision repair, diesel, new vehicle sales, parts sales, accounting, or business administration.
    • Applications are due at IADA headquarters by 5 p.m. on March 1, 2019.  
    • Applicants must submit the following to be considered for a scholarship:
      • A letter written by the applicant detailing their career goals and interest in pursuing an automotive career.
      • A recommendation from a high school or college teacher, counselor, or co-worker.
      • An unofficial transcript of high school or college grades.
      • A copy of the applicant’s Expected Family Contribution from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
    • An optional statement of support or recommendation from an IADA member dealership is recommended, but not required.
    • Deadline - March 1, 2019
  • Govenor Terry Branstad Iowa State Fair Scholarship
    • Applicants must complete: 
      • Iowa Financial Aid, FAFSA, and an additional document
    • Deadline - March 1, 2019
  • All Iowa Opportunity Scholarship
    • Iowa Financial Aid and FAFSA must be completed 
    • Deadline - March 1, 2019
  • Iowa Farm Bureau Federation Scholarship
    •  Scholarship requirements can be found on the last pages of the application
    • An additional scholarship will be awarded to a Wapello County resident
      • Edward W. & Isabelle M. Klodt Memorial Scholarship
      • Same requirements as the Federation Scholarship
    • Deadline - March 1, 2019
  • Elevate Iowa Advanced Manufacturing Scholarship 
    • Must be attending one of Iowa's 15 community colleges 
    • Deadline - March 1, 2019
  • Matthew Shepard Scholarship
    • Deadline - March 1, 2019
  • The Aureon Network Services Scholarship Programs
    • Applicants must: 
      • A resident of Iowa and live in a home with active phone, internet, or TV service from an Iowa Independent Telecommunications Company. 
      • Iowa high school junior or graduating senior in the 2018-2019 school year. 
      • A citizen or permanent resident of the United States or one of its official territories.
      • Accepted by an Iowa-based, accredited four-year college or university, community college, or vocational-technical school and be pursuing a STEM-related course of study.
      • Have a minimum 3.33 GPA. A copy of a recent transcript may be requested.
      • Relatives of those employed by an Iowa Independent Telecommunications Company or Aureon are not eligible.
    • Deadline - March 1, 2019
  • Guardian Scholarship Foundation
    • Applicants must:
      • have graduated in good standing with a minimum of a 2.3 GPA from high school or have shown considerable improvement while attending secondary education and spent time in Iowa foster care between the ages of 14-18. Scholarships are for students from Iowa going to school in the state of Iowa.
      • gain admission to the chosen college(s) and receive their financial aid package.
      • submit a Guardian Scholars application and Release and Consent Form as soon as possible after gaining admission to college.
      • Deadline - March 1, 2019
  • Iowa Scholarship for the Arts 
    • Apply for a $1,500 scholarship to help support your future arts education.
    • You must be an outstanding Iowa high school senior who excels and demonstrates a commitment to pursuing an education and career in the arts. You must plan to attend college in Iowa and major in the fine arts.
    • Deadline - March 1, 2019
  • The Joe Halbur Scholarship - sponsored by Iowa Association of Naturalists 
    • The Joe Halbur Scholarship is awarded to students who plan to further their education in programs of environmental education, cultural interpretation, historical interpretation or outdoor recreation. This year IAN is offering a $500 scholarship. 
    • Deadline - March 2, 2019

  • 2019 Iowa State Elks Association Vocational Grant

    • The Iowa State Elks Association is pleased to offer twenty (20) $1,500.00 Vocational Grants to individuals pursuing a vocational (2-year or less) training/educational program. These grants are open to current high school seniors orany non-traditional student pursuing such a program at an accredited school. 

    • These grants ARE NOT intended for students pursuing a 4-year course of study that will lead to a bachelor’s degree. 

    • Applications received for persons ultimately pursuing a 4-year course of study will be disqualfied from consideration.

    • Deadline - March 8, 2019

  • First Friday Breakfast Club Scholarship 

    • $3,000 scholarships to Iowa high school seniors who have demonstrated leadership in efforts to increase education and understanding of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) issues and reduce homophobia in their schools and/or communities.
    • Further information can be found here.
    • Deadline - March 15, 2019
  • Home Builders Assocation Scholarship Program 
    • Provides scholarship funds to students pursuing a career in th home building industry and related trades 
    • Multiple scholarships available 
    • March 15, 2019
  • American Business Women's Association - Greater Des Moines Noon Chapter - Impact Scholarship
    • Each year local chapters of ABWA award scholarships to help with college costs. Must be incoming college junior, senior or working on a masters degree. For website login to complete the application please contact Cathy Neumann at [email protected]
    • Deadline - TBD
  • Community 1st Credit Union Scholarship Program 
    • Applicant must: 
      • Be current, active members of Community 1st Credit Union.
      • Be current high school seniors.
      • Plan to enroll in full-time undergraduate study at an accredited two- or four-year college, university or vocational-technical school for the entire 2019-2020 academic year.
      • Have a minimum grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale (or its equivalent).
      • Deadline - March 16, 2019
  • Ottumwa Hy-Noon Kiwanis Scholarship
    • Applicant must reside in Wapello County 
    • Deadline - March  22, 2019
  • Iowa Hospital Education and Research Foundation - Health Care Career Scholarship Program 
    • Applicant must be enrolled in a qualified health career career program
    • Applicant must be willing to work in an Iowa hospital for one year
    • Click here for an informational poster
    • Deadline - March 30, 2019 
  • Southern Iowa Electric Cooperative Scholarship Program
    • All high school seniors whose parents or guardians are members of Southern Iowa Electric Cooperative with active account(s) served by the cooperative. (Membership does not apply to Lineman School Applicants, see Lineman School Scholarships below.)
    • Applicant must be accepted by an accredited two- or four-year college, university or vocational-technical school in the fall of 2019.
    • The candidate may be enrolled in any field of study.
    • Deadline - March 31, 2019
  • The Diane Albertson Memorial Scholarship
    • Must be a senior or graduate of an Iowa high school and accepted for enrollment as a full-time undergraduate for the 2018-19 school year.
    • Must be willing to contribute to an IRA project or newsletter at least once during the school year. 
    • Must submit completed application and one letter of recommendation from a teacher, supervisor or coach to [email protected]by the stated deadline.
    • Deadline - March 31, 2019
  • John Deere Internship Application 
    • Deadline - April 1, 2019
  • Jeremy Allen Scholarship 
    • Applicant must: 
      • be an OHS male senior
      • football or baseball player 
    • Deadline - April 5, 2019
  • Brian Pearson Memorial Scholarship
    • High school junior or seniors for the 2018-2019 school year who have previously participated in any Iowa Games events (Summer Iowa Games, Winter Iowa Games, Iowa Games Net Fest, Iowa Games NASP, etc) are eligible for this scholarship.
    • Deadline - April 8, 2019
  • Leo H. Grether Memorial Scholarship in Choral Music Education
    • Applicant must: 
      • be a citizen of the State of Iowa;
      • be a graduating senior;
      • be enrolling in college as a vocal music education major;
      • submit a tape containing two selections of a contrasting nature;
      • submit a listing of school music participation and accomplishments;
      • provide a letter listing music involvement in church and/or
      • community cosigned by the pastor or civic leader;
      • submit a one-page essay entitled, “Why I Have Chosen Choral Music Education As A Career.”
    • Deadline - April 15, 2019
  • Kennedy, King, and Violet Armstrong Scholarship 
    • Applicant must: 

      • Resident of Wapello County or Van Buren County

      • Acceptance by the school you are planning to attend

    • One application applies for all three scholarships 

    • Deadline - April 15, 2019

  • Iowa Merit Awards for Dramatic Performance 
    • Sponsored by: The Donna Reed Foundation for the Performing Arts 
      • DRFPA 2019 Iowa Merit Awards for Dramatic Performance help recognize excellence and promising young talent from Iowa interested in pursuing further enrichment and education in the performing arts. The 2019 program focuses on student dramatic performance.Measures of merit are performance dedication, demonstrable skill, scholastic recommendations, and future goals in the performing arts.
    • Deadline - May 31, 2019
  • Charlie Burkart Scholarship - Iowa PGA Foundation
    • Deadline - June 14, 2019

 

College Specific Scholarships

These are example scholarship and financial aid websites for different colleges around the state of Iowa. All universities and colleges will have a website similar to these examples. These colleges are our most popular amoungst the senior class. 

Central College

Coe College

Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC)

Grandview University

Hawkeye Community College

Indian Hills Community College

Iowa School of Beauty

Iowa State University

Kirkwood Community College

Southeastern Community College

The University of Iowa

  • Priority Date for FAFSA: November 15th
  • https://admissions.uiowa.edu/finances/scholarships  
  • Homegrown Hawkeyes - Woman's Rowing 
    • Candidate Criteria
      • Class: High School Juniors and Seniors
      • Height:  5’9”-6’3”
      • Weight: 150-200 pounds
      • Athletic Qualities: Power, Endurance, High Kinesthetic Awareness
      • Personality: Mentally tough, Team-oriented, Coachable, Committed to Excellence
    • Deadline - Feb 10, 2018
  • Iowa Farm Scholarship / Iowa Basketball Letterman Fund 
    • Demonstrate financial need, determined by filing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) no later than February 1.
      • Be an entering freshman planning to enroll full-time (12 or more hours per semester) in a degree program at the University of Iowa. 
      • Be ranked in the upper 25% of your graduating high school class.
      • Be a United States citizen.
      • You and your parents must be living on an Iowa farm and your parents must be operating the farm.
    • Deadline - February 15, 2019
  • Southeast Iowa Donors Foundation Scholarship
    • Newly admitted first year students must meet one of the following:
      • Be in the top 10% or equivalent of high school graduating class; OR
      • Have a 299 Regent Admission Index Score or higher; OR
      • Have an ACT composite of 28 or above.
    • Deadline - February 15, 2019
  • Thomas H. Macbride Leadership Scholarship
    • The Thomas H. Macbride Leadership Scholarship is awarded to outstanding high school seniors who have demonstrated an ability to excel in academics, extra-curricular activities, and human service.
    • The scholarship is available to any male, graduating senior who attends The University of Iowa.
    • The scholarship is awarded by the Alumni of ACACIA Fraternity. Preference for the scholarship is given to students associated with the Fraternity.
    • Demonstrated financial need is not a criterion. This scholarship is NOT transferrable to another person or attendance at another university.
    • Deadline - March 31, 2019

The University of Northern Iowa

William Penn University

National Scholarships