Scholarship Opportunities for Seniors

**Looking to get ahead? - Peruse the 2018-2019 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 
  • Iowa 4-H Foundation Scholarships 
    • Various Deadlines and Eligibilities
  • Iowa Financial Know-How Challenge: Senior Scholarship
    • To qualify for the scholarship, students must:
      • Register online Oct. 15, 2019–Feb. 21, 2020.
      • Complete two online financial literacy tutorials and a related online assessment created by Iowa Student Loan.
  • Elks National Foundation Scholarship Program
    • For the 2020 contest, any child or grandchild (or step-child, step-grandchild, or legal ward) of a living Elk who joined the order on or before April 1, 2017, or a charter member of a Lodge that was instituted on or after April 1, 2017, is eligible to apply. The Elk must also be a paid-up member through March 31, 2020. Great-grandchildren are not eligible.
    • The applicant must be a high school senior.
    • The applicant must apply online only. 
    • If the applicant's parent and grandparent are both Elk members, the applicant must apply through the parent's Elks Lodge.
    • Applicants must take the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or the American College Test (ACT) in time to received their scores before the application deadline by December 31, 2019.
    • Students may apply for more than one ENF scholarship; however, they may win only one. In cases where the student qualifies for more than one, we will award the scholarship with the greater value. Students can accept local and state scholarships, which are separate from the awards at the national level.
    • Deadline: January 31, 2020 at 11:59 a.m. Central Time.
  • 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, 2020
  • 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 10, 2020
  • NIAAA Student Athlete Scholarship 
    • Mininum requirements: 
      • 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 13, 2020
  • Timberline Billing Services, LLC.- Scholarship Award
    • The student must either have an active IEP or had an IEP anytime during their Secondary school years.
    • Scholarship Application
    • Deadline: January 15, 2020
  • National FFA Collegiate Scholarships
    • 2020-2021 Scholarship Catalog 
    • Deadline - January 15, 2020 - Online supplements January 22, 2020
  • Mediacom World Class Scholars Scholarship Program
    • Deadline - February 15, 2020
  • United States JCI Senate Foundation Scholarship 
    • Must be sent to:
      • John Buttolph #46346
      • 2823 Northwood Drive
      • Ames, IA 50010
    • Deadline - January 24, 2020
  • Seaboard Foods: Children of Employees Scholarship Program 
    • Seaboard Foods will award scholarships to students who have at least one parent/guardian who works for Seaboard Foods, Seaboard Transport and/or Seaboard Energy.
    • Deadline - January 31, 2020
  • Community Scholarsip Program - Sponsored by Seaboard Foods
    • Applicant must live in Wapello County 
    • All applicants must be graduating high school seniors or equivalent.
    • 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 2020-2021 academic year.
    • All applicants must have submitted the application online. No paper applications will be accepted.
    • Incomplete applications will not be scored.
    • Deadline - January 31, 2020
  • Iowa National Guard Scholarships 
    • Deadline - Various, depends on the scholarship
  • Garrett's Path College Scholarship
    • Must be a high school senior
    • Must have a 3.0 GPA
    • Deadline: February 1, 2020
  • Grand Lodge of Iowa - Masonic Scholarship Application
    • Applicants need not have a Masonic connection 
    • Deadline - February 1, 2020
  • H.L. Taylor Scholarship
    • Deadline - February 1, 2020
  • Drake Physics Prize 
    • Any, student, freshman - senior year can apply
    • Applicant must take an exam covering opics normall studied in the first semester of high school physics
    • Must be registered by Monday, February 3, 2020 by 1:00 PM 
    • Please see Ms. Eakins in the counseling office 
  • Iowa Newspaper Foundation (INF) Scholarship
    • Deadline - February 14, 2020
  • Conservation Districts of Iowa Scholarships
    • Deadline - February 14, 2020
  • Fahrney Education Foundation Trust
    • 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, 2020
  • 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 - February 28, 2020
  • The Mary I. Fitzgerald Scholarship Program 
    • The Iowa Grocers Education Foundation (IGEF) will award $2,000 scholarships to high school seniors and undergraduate students who are children of full-time employees or $1,500 scholarships to students who are full-time or part-time employees of firms that are members of the Iowa Grocery Industry Association (IGIA).
    • Deadlline - March 1, 2020
  • 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, 2020
  • Edward J. Schwartz Perpetual Educational Trust Foundation Scholarship 
    • Applicants 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, 2020
  • MCEC "Mark Eart and Esther Ruth Spencer" Technical Scholarship 
    • For seniors planning to enroll in a mechanical or trade course of study at an accredited Iowa Community College
    • Deadline - Postmarked no later than March 1, 2020
  • All Iowa Opportunity Scholarship 
    • Iowa Financial Aid and FAFSA must be completed 
    • Deadline - March 1, 2020
  • 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, 2020
  • The Aureon Network Services Scholarships Programs 
    • A resident of the Des Moines Metro area or live in a home with active phone, internet, or TV from an Iowa ITC.* (See disclaimer below on site if you are unsure.)
    • Iowa high school junior or graduating senior in the 2019-2020 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.
    • Deadline - March 1, 2020
  • Iowa Scholarship for the Arts 
    • Apply for funding to pursue a post-secondary education in the arts. The Scholarship for the Arts provides support to Iowa high school seniors who excel and demonstrate a commitment to pursuing an arts-related major at an Iowa college or university.
    • Deadline - March 1, 2020
  • Iowa State Rifle & Pistol Association Scholarship Program 
    • Applicant must: 
      • be a U.S. Citizen
      • be of good moral character 
      • have achieved a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average
      • be a graduation high school senior 
      • demonstrates acceptance to a university, college, or tradeschool leading to a diploma or trade certification 
      • demonstre Rifle-Air Rifle-Pistol-Shotgun marksmanship cometition experience 
    • Deadline - March 1, 2020
  • The Joe Halibur 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, 2020
  • Iowa Automobilie 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 2, 2020.
    • 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). Applications without this will not be eligible for the scholarships based in part on financial need.
    • An optional statement of support or recommendation from an IADA member dealership is recommended, but not required.
    • Deadline - March 2, 2020
  • Freddy Miranda Access Scholarship 
    • Applicant must: 
      • be from the state of Iowa and attend an Iowa ACAC member high school. 
      • be a graduating senior with plans to attend postsecondary education. 
      • enroll in full-time study at a postsecondary Iowa ACAC member institution. 
      • demonstrate involvement in high school, the community, or service to others with a desire/motivation to complete their educational program. 
    • Special consideration will be given to students from underrepresented populations, who are first generation, and/or demonstrate financial need.
    • Deadline - March 4, 2020
  • 2020 Iowa State Elks Assocation 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 disqualified from consideration.
    • Deadline - March 9, 2020
  • 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 2020-2021 academic year.
      • Have a minimum grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale (or its equivalent).
    • Deadline - March 13, 2020 
  • Elevate Iowa Advanced Manufacturing Scholarship 
    • Must be attending one of Iowa's 15 community colleges
    • Deadline - March 15, 2020
  • First Friday Breakfast Club Schoarship 
    • FFBC awards $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.
    • Deadline - March 16, 2020
  • Hills Bank & Trust Leadership Grant
    • IMPORTANT: MUST RESIDE OR ATTEND A SCHOOL IN Benton, Cedar, Iowa, Johnson, Jones, Keokuk, Linn, Louisa, Muscatine, or Washington County
    • 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. 
    • Deadline: March 20, 2020
  • AgDiscovery 2020
  • Iowa Hospital Educaiton and Research Foundation Scholarship Foundation 
    • Deadline - March 30, 2020
  • 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 2020.
    • The candidate may be enrolled in any field of study.
    • Deadline - March 31, 2020
  • SFM Foundation Scholarship
    • 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 25 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) or vocational education and training (certificate or license) from an accredited school.
      • Demonstrate financial need.
      • Submit a completed application.
    • Deadline - March 31, 2020
  • Jeremy Allen Scholarship 
    • Applicant must: 
      • be an OHS male senior
      • be a football or baseball player
      • return completed application to Ms. Eakins in the Counseling Office
    • Deadline - April 3, 2020
  • Brian Pearson Memorial Scholarship 
    • High school junior or seniors for the 2019‐2020 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 6, 2020
  • The Iowa Girls Coaching Association
  • Leo H. Grether Memorial Scholarship 
    • 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
  • The Pearl Hull Falk Scholarship 
    • Eligibility Requirements:
      • of the Protestant faith
      • resident of the state of Iowa
      • attending the University of Iowa
    • Deadline - May 1, 2020
  • Children's Cancer Connection Empowering Scholarships 
    • Applicant must be directly affected by childhood cancer (including individuals who currently have or have had cancer before age 18 or a sibling of that individual).
    • Applicant must be within the Children’s Cancer Connection service area (living, treated or diagnosed in the state of Iowa).
    • Applicant must attend or plan to attend an accredited two- or four-year institution (trade school, college or university).
    • Deadline
      • Fall Semester - the LAST Friday in May 
      • Spring Semester - the LAST Friday in September 
  • PB & J Scholarship
    • Open to all college bound seniors at Ottumwa High School 
    • Attending an accredited 2-year or 4-year college in fall 2020
    • Deadline - May 31, 2020
  • Charlie Burkhart Scholarship - sponsored by Iowa PGA Section Foundation 
    • Deadline - June 19, 2020

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 amongst 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

The University of Northern Iowa

William Penn University

National Scholarships

Diversity Resources for Ottumwa Students

College Resources for Diverse and Multicultural Students
https://www.bestcolleges.com/resources/diverse-and-multicultural-students/
 
Financial Aid Opportunities for Minority Students
https://www.bestcolleges.com/financial-aid/minority-students/
 
America's Most Diverse Colleges
https://www.bestcolleges.com/features/most-diverse-colleges/