Scholarship Opportunities for Seniors

**  Need help filling out scholarships or FAFSA? Please click here for resources. 

2021-2022 Local and Statewide Scholarships

  • Last Dollar Scholarship - This scholarship doesn’t require an application be filled out.  Students just need to file their FAFSA. 
  • The Dream Scholarship - covers tuition, meals, housing, deadline to apply is January 31, 2022.
  • First Friday Breakfast Club Scholarships - this is a $3000 scholarship, deadline to apply is March 15, 2022.
  • Abbott and Fenner Scholarship Program - this is a $1000 scholarship, deadline to apply is June 12, 2022.
  • Beta Sigma PSI Scholarships - three $2,000 scholarships and one $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to men attending Iowa State University in the Fall of 2022. Applicants do not need to join Beta Sigma Psi to be eligible for a scholarship.
  • GO STEM Scholarship Program - The GO STEM Scholarship Program stands for: Growing Opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Scholarships are funded by the National Science Foundation's S-STEM program under Award Number 2130114.
  • Jim Hallihan Character Legacy Scholarship - 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 the opportunity to share some of those challenges and experiences where their character
    was tested, and they prevailed with good decisions and caring actions. 
  • Aegon Asset Management Scholarship - Aegon Asset Management (their main office is located in Cedar Rapids) is looking to offer five scholarships of $2,000 per individual to students from historically underrepresented groups who might have an interest in pursuing a career within the financial services industry.
  • 175 Scholarships - various scholarships
  • Coolidge Scholarship is an annually awarded, full-ride, presidential scholarship that covers a student’s tuition, room, board, and expenses for four years of undergraduate study. It may be used by recipients at any accredited college or university in the United States. The scholarship submission deadline has been extended by one week to January 26, 2022 at 5:00 PM Eastern Time.
  • ICAN Scholarship Database 
    • Various Deadlines 
  • Future Ready Iowa Last-Dollar Scholarship  
    • A state-funded program for Iowans who:
      • Are new high school graduates starting college full-time or adult learners starting college at least part-time
      • Have applied for all other available aid
      • Plan to earn a credential for a high-demand job
    • Deadline varies per scholarship check directory for eligible programs
    • Eligibility Criteria: 
      • Have completed high school (or earned a high school equivalency credential)
      • Exhibit a strong commitment to pursue and complete a career or technical program (up to 2 years) at an accredited non-profit post-secondary institution in the United States
      • Demonstrated critical financial need (must be eligible to receive the Federal Pell grant as determined by completion of the FAFSA)
      • Demonstrated perseverance in overcoming adversity
      • Be under the age of 30
      • Be a United States citizen
    • Deadline - July 15, 2022
  • Elks National Foundation - Most Valuable Student 
    • Eligibility:
      • Current high school seniors, or the equivalent, who are citizens of the United States are eligible to apply.
      • Applicants do not need to be related to a member of the Elks.
      • 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.
    • Deadline - November 15, 2021 at 11:59 PM Pacific Time
  • The Hagan Scholarship 
    • Dedicated to helping students graduate debt free from college
    • Eligibility: 
      • ACT and SAT scores are not required.
      • Must attend an Eligible Public High School.
      • FAFSA EFC must not exceed $6,500.  
      • Must be a U.S. Citizen.
      • Must have achieved a 3.75 CGPA using a 4.0 Scale.
      • Must be ranked by the school and in the top 20% of the high school graduating class.
      • Must enroll at an eligible four-year college or university the first semester following high school graduation.
      • Must work 240 hours in the twelve months prior to the start of each year of college.
      • Must apply for eligible Federal and State grants.
      • Must not have a felony conviction.
    • Deadline: December 1, 2021
  • Super20 Program 
    • SUPER 20 is a high school leadership program that helps underrepresented students find their purpose in their college and career paths. It provides the resources, support, and coaching to help motivated college-bound high school students reach their true potential.
  • The IHSADA-NIAAA Student Scholarship
    • Student must:
      • Applicant must be a Senior
      • Applicant must have achieved at least one (1) of the following:
        • minimum of B+ average;
        • Ranked in the top 25% of class
        • 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 director must be an NIAAA member and a member of their respective state athletic
        administrators association
      • The principal or athletic director must sign the application to insure that the academic information
        submitted is accurate. 
      • All hard copy materials must be postmarked or electronic materials sent to:
      • Send application materials to:
        • Scott Garvis
        • Ankeny Centennial High School
        • 2220 NW State St.
        • Ankeny, IA 50023
        • Or email: [email protected] 
    • Deadline: January 13, 2022
  • Jeremy Allen Memorial ScholarshipThis scholarship can be applied to any post secondary program, including trade school, apprenticeship, certificate training program, or college tuition.  Students who meet the qualifications are encouraged to apply, regardless of GPA or class rank.

 

  • National FFA Collegiate Scholarships 
    • 2021-2022 Catalog 
    • Deadline: January 5 2022 / Online supplement forms: January 12, 2022
  • Grand Lodge of Iowa, A.F. & A.M. Masonic Scholarship
    • Applicants need not have a masonic connection 
    • Deadline: Application must be postmarked no later thatn February 1, 2022
  • The Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholar 
    • Applicant must: 
      • Be a graduating high school senior;
      • Plan to attend an accredited and approved four-year institution within the United States;
      • Show leadership potential;
      • Demonstrate a dedication to community service;
      • Present evidence of financial need;
      • Be a United States citizen;
      • Have a minimum SAT score of 1,000 combined on the math and critical reading sections or a composite ACT score of 21;
      • Not possess a degree from a 2 or 4–year College when applying for the scholarship
    • Deadline - January 12, 2022
  • Garrett's Path College Scholarship
    • Must be a high school senior
    • Must have a 3.0 GPA
    • Deadline: February 1, 2022
  • Warren A. Morrow Memorial Scholarship - Sponsored by Iowa Credit Union 
    • Entrants must have an account established in his or her own name and be a “member in good standing” at a credit union that is a member or associate member of the Iowa Credit Union League.
    • The high school scholarship is open to any high school senior with a projected graduation year of 2022.
    • The post-high school scholarship is open to any adult student who is entering or attending an accredited undergraduate, graduate or vocational program.
    • Only one entry per applicant. More than one entry will result in disqualification.
    • Deadline: February 4, 2022
  • The Iowa Newspaper Foundation
    • The Iowa Newspaper Foundation is a non-profit corporation whose mission is to champion the quality and future of Iowa’s newspaper enterprises and the communities they serve. One avenue by which we fulfill that mission is providing scholarships to students pursuing college degrees leading to careers in the newspaper industry.
      • Scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic record, demonstrated talent and desire to work for an Iowa newspaper or locale as listed in the scholarship descriptions. Some consideration will be given to financial need. Most awards are limited to students attending Iowa colleges, universities and community colleges; see scholarship descriptions for details.
    • Deadline: February 11, 2022
  • Conservation Districts of Iowa Scholarships
    • Deadline - February 14, 2022 
  • Mediacom World Class Scholars Scholarship Program 
    • Deadline - February 15, 2022
  • Ann Piper Scholarship Trust 
  • Resident of Wapello County, Iowa 
  • Attend a college or university in the State of Iowa 
  • Enrolled in a full-time course of study in: 
    • A four-year accredited Iowa college or university leading towards a bachelor degree or post-graduate degree OR
    • A two-year Iowa college associate arts or science program leading to a four-year course of study and bachelor degree
    • Deadline: Februrary 15, 2022 at midnight  
  • 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, 2022
  • Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities  
    • To be eligible 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, and be attending a post high school education program located in Iowa.
    • Deadline - February 15, 2022
  • Sons & Daughters Scholarships - Sponsored by Pella Corporation
    • Applicant must be a son or daughter of an employee (includes adopted children and stepchildren who reside with employee, and children whose legal guardian is an employee) who has completed one or more years of continuous service by January 1, 2021, and is actively employed on March 31, 2021, at the following locations
      • Pella Corporation (includes Pella-owned manufacturing sites), Bonelli, Duratherm, Grabill, Reilly, or one of the Pella-owned sales subsidiaries located in Chicago, Detroit, Hawaii-Southern California, Jacksonville, Orlando, Rockford, Seattle, and West Caldwell.
    • Sons and daughters of deceased or retired employees with one or more years of continuous employment and who were full-time employees at the time of death or retirement are also eligible to apply.
    • Applicants must be graduating high school seniors within the United States.
    • Minimum 2.5 GPA
    • Deadline - 2022 Application process will open December 2021.
  • Iowa Financial Know-How Challenge Senior Scholarship
    • To qualify for the scholarship, students must:
      • Register online November 1, 2021–March 11, 2022
      • Complete two online financial literacy tutorials and a related online assessment created by Iowa Student Loan.
  • Iowa Farm Bureau Scholarships 
    • The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) and many of its 100 county Farm Bureaus offer a variety of scholarships at the state and local level to future college students.
    • To apply for these scholarships, you only need to submit one application, which will enter you for a chance to receive the state and local Farm Bureau scholarships available to you.
    • Eligibility for Farm Bureau scholarships is reserved for current IFBF members (and their children) who are in good standing with the organization. To be considered, a graduating high school senior must have a minimum 2.5 grade point average (GPA), be involved in extra-curricular activities, and be accepted into an accredited higher education institution (including community colleges and technical schools).
    • Local County Farm Bureau Scholarship
      • The Daniel Johnson Memorial Scholarship is a one-time $500 scholarship that is awarded to one student from IFBF District 7 (Davis, Des Moines, Henry, Jefferson, Keokuk, Lee, Louisa, Muscatine, Wappello, Washington and Van Buren counties) who is pursuing a degree in agriculture.
      • The Edward W. & Isabelle M. Klodt Memorial Scholarship is a one-time $500 scholarship that is awarded to one student from Wapello County.
    • Deadline - February 10, 2022
  • Vermeer Charitable Foundation Scholarship
    • Applicants must be:
      • Current high school/home school seniors or college students working toward an under-graduate degree.
      • A dependent child of, a legally adopted dependent child of, or a dependent stepchild of a full-time or regular part-time Pella, VATH, Griswold, Freeman, or Vermeer MV Solutions team member, or a child whose legal guardian is a full-time or regular part-time Pella, VATH, Griswold, Freeman, or Vermeer MV Solutions team member. 
      • Unmarried and not planning to be married during the 2022/2023 academic year.
      • Planning on being a full-time student during both semesters of the 2022/2023 academic year.
    • Deadline - February 25, 2022
  • Iowa 4-H Foundation Scholarships 
    • Various opportunities and deadlines 
  • Iowa National Guard Scholarships
    • Deadline - Various, depends on the scholarship
  • 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 - March 1st
  • All Iowa Opportunity Scholarship
    • Iowa Financial Aid and FAFSA must be completed 
    • Deadline - March 1st
  • Guardian Foundation Schlolarship
    • Applicant 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 1st
  • National Wild Turkey Federation's - Dr. James Earl Kennamer Scholarship
    • Local Chapter:
      • Ottumwa, IA
      • Wapello County Struttin' Toms, IA
      • For information on this chapter, contact:
    • Deadline - March 1st
  • Edward J. Schwartz Perpetual Education Trust Scholarship 
    • 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 1st
  • Iowa United Methodist Foundation 
    • The High School Senior Scholarships are scholarships designated for graduating high school seniors.
    • Deadline - March 1st
  • 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 1st
  • Iowa Automobile Dealers Foundation for Education
    • Applications are due at IADA headquarters by 5 p.m. on March 1, 2022.
    • Applicants must submit the following to be considered for a scholarship:
      • Paragraph detailing their career goals and interest in pursuing an automotive career.
      • Recommendation from a high school or college teacher, counselor, or co-worker.
      • Unofficial transcript of high school or college grades.
      • Copy of page 1 of the applicant’s Electronic Student Aid Report (SAR) from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Applications submitted without a SAR 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.
    • Excluded from consideration are candidates whose parent is the designated dealer principal of a car or truck dealership. Preference will be given to applicants who plan to attend an Iowa college or university. Scholarships may be awarded, in part, on financial need. Prior scholarship recipients who have 2.5 GPA may re-apply.
    • Deadline - March 1st     
  • 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 1st
  • Iowa Grocery Industry Association - Scholarships 
  • Deadline - March 15          NOTE:  Applications for 2022 Scholarship will be available on December 1, 2021.
  • First Friday Breakfast Club Scholarship 
    • 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 15, 2022
  • Iowa Health Care Association Foundation Scholarships Programs
  • Various scholarships
  • Application process opens in March 2022.
  • 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 2021.
    • The candidate may be enrolled in any field of study.
    • Deadline - March 31, 2022
  • 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, 2022
  • 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 - April 1, 2022
  • Brian Pearson Memorial Scholarship
    • Applicant must be a: 
      • High school junior or seniors for the 2021-2022 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 4, 2022
  • The Iowa Girls Coaching Association
  • Robert Smiley Scholarship
    • Senior girls enrolled full-time in a public or private Iowa high school.
    • Must have a minimum 2.5 GPA (4.0 scale)
    • Must also have lettered in one varsity sport sponsored by the IGHSAU each year of high school.
  • Karsyn's Krusaders / Jessica Miller Memorial Cancer Scholarship Program
    • Applicant must: 
      • Have had a diagnosis of cancer before the age of 18 and have been treated for pediatric form of cancer.
        •  OR
      • Be a sibling (including biological, half-blood or step-sibling) of a person who was diagnosed with a pediatric form of cancer.
      • Applicant is between the ages of 16 and 23 and is either a high school senior OR not out of high school more than 4 years.
      • Applicant is accepted to an accredited university, graduate school, community college, vocational technical school or other accredited facility.
      • Applicant is enrolled (or plans to enroll) full-time or half-time in an accredited facility.
      • Applicant must complete a Karsyn’s Krusaders Scholarship application form.
      • Applicant must provide two recommendations: documentation verifying your (or your sibling’s) diagnosis and one from a personal reference who is not a relative and over 21 years of age.
      • Applicant must provide a letter of acceptance from a scholastic institution on letterhead.
      • Applicant must provide a one-page essay describing your life experiences as a cancer survivor or the sibling of a cancer survivor, future goals and the reasons why you need this scholarship.
    • Deadline - April 11, 2021
  • 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
  • Robert F. Kennedy - Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund and the Violent Armstrong Scholarship
    • REQUIREMENTS:
      1. Resident of Wapello County or Van Buren County
      2. Acceptance by the school you are planning to attend
      3. Provide a high school transcript and/or college grades (please attach)
      4. Completion of the application in full
      5. Personal letter (please attach)
      6. A copy of your parents’ most recent Federal Income tax form showing adjusted gross income (please attach)
      7. One reference from a non-relative (please attach)
      8. If your plans change, or there is an early drop, you agree to return the scholarship
    • Deadline - April 15th
  • Prairie Mutual Insurance Association Scholarship 
    • Applicants must: 
      • Be a policyholder, the child of a policyholder, or have a legal guardian who is a
        policyholder of Prairie Mutual Insurance Association;
      • Intend to enroll or be currently enrolled as an undergraduate in an Iowa university,
        college, community college, technical or trade school;
      • Be in good academic standing (minimum cumulative grade point of 2.25) and have
        demonstrated an active interest in school and/or civic activities;
      • Submit a copy of high school transcript or most recent college transcript
    • Deadlie - must be post-marked by April 20th
  • The Pearl Hull Falk Scholarship 
    • Applicant must be:
      • of the Protestant faith
      • a resident of the State of Iowa
      • attending the University of Iowa full time
    • Deadline - May 2
  • 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).
    • Deadlines - 
      • Fall Semester - the LAST Friday in May
      • Spring Semester - the LAST Friday in September
  • Charlie Burkhart Scholarship - sponsored by Iowa PGA Section Foundation
    • Deadline - June 18, 2022

 

 

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

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/