Scholarship Information

Dollars For Scholars
English Valleys Seniors: 

Scholarship Information for You to Use Now!



Reminder to seniors that the deadline to submit their scholarship applications is March 1.  Keokuk County Farm Bureau will offer two $500 scholarships to students pursuing the completion of a two or four-year undergraduate degree.  Keokuk County will use the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation’s (IFBF) eligibility guidelines.  Applicants must be a son or daughter of Keokuk County Farm Bureau member and working toward a degree in one of the following occupational areas: 1) Ag Production-i.e. animal science, dairy science, equine science, veterinary science including veterinary pharmacy.  2) Ag Products and Procession-i.e. food science, nutritional sciences.  3) Ag Business-must relate to agriculture and include ag course work.  4) Agricultural Research-i.e. biofuels, biorenewables, genetics.  5) Conservation and Natural Resources-i.e. environmental studies, wildlife ecology and conservation.  6) Economics-i.e. agricultural economics, public service and administration in agriculture, global international agriculture studies.  7) Education-i.e. Ag education and studies and/or elementary or secondary teachers only.  8) Environmental systems-i.e. wind turbine energy, mechanical engineering.  9) Forestry-i.e. Natural resources, ecology, forestry.  10) Horticulture-i.e. Agronomy, landscape horticulture/architecture.  11) Mechanization-i.e. Agricultural systems technology, agricultural engineering.  12) Nursing-i.e. BSN or RN applicant should explain how they will work with clients in rural community.

 

The top two scholarships will be forwarded to IFBF for consideration in one of the fifty-four $1,000 scholarship awards.   Six district winners will be selected in each of the nine IFBF districts.  A Daniel Johnson Memorial Scholarship award of $500 will also be awarded to one student within the southeastern District 7 who is pursuing an agricultural degree.

 

Scholarship applications must be typed and can be found on the IFBF website in word format.  If you would like an application emailed to you, please submit your request to keokuk.county@ifbf.org   High school guidance counselors do have the applications as well.  If you have any questions, please call the Keokuk County Farm Bureau office at 641-622-2310.

 

Iowa College Aid
www.IowaCollegeAid.gov

I Have a Plan Iowa can help your child…

* Explore careers as early as elementary school with Paws in Jobland.
* Create meaningful course plans to achieve education and career goals.
* Discover skills, values and strengths through engaging assessments.
* Find education and career opportunities based on assessment results.
* Prepare for the ACT and SAT college admission exams through free, interactive
   test preparation.
* Research financial aid options.
* Search for scholarships.
* Record work, volunteer and other activities.
* Build resumes and practice for job interviews.

Iowa College Aid provides information and services to help families apply for financial aid (FAFSA and the State of Iowa Financial Aid Application).

U.S. Department of Education, Office of Federal Student Aid (OFSA)

Available at FinancialAidToolkit.ed.gov, the site consolidates financial aid resources into a searchable online database, making it easy for individuals to quickly access the information they need to support their students. When you read the letter, be sure to take a look at the flyer that points out the major features of the Financial Aid Toolkit.
Scholarship Information 2015-2016
All Iowa Opportunity Scholarship
The All Iowa Opportunity Scholarship application is available on our website and the priority submission deadline isMarch 1, 2016. Applications submitted by March 1 will receive first consideration for funding for the 2016-2017 school year. The maximum value of this scholarship is $ 8,118 for 2016-17 and students must meet the following eligibility criteria: Iowa resident, Attending an eligible Iowa college or university, Must have graduated high school within the last 2 years, Be a first-time college freshman in the fall 2016 or spring 2017, Minimum of 2.5 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale or its equivalent, Enroll for at least 3 semester hours (or the trimester or quarter equivalent) in a program leading to an undergraduate degree
· Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) AND Iowa Financial Aid Application by March 1 for priority consideration;
· Have an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of $8,118 or lower from the 2016-17 FAFSA....More details are available on our website.

2016 UnityPoint Scholar Athlete of the Year
UnityPoint Health and the Iowa High School Sports Network are pleased to announce our call for submissions for the 2016 UnityPoint Scholar Athlete of the Year.  One senior female student athlete and one senior male student athlete will each be awarded a continuing education grant for up to $2,000.00

To be considered, applicants must demonstrate academic excellence, participation in athletics and service to their school and community.  

To apply, students should download, complete and submit their applications to their High School Principal by May 13, 2016.  High School Principals should then review the applications and choose one final applicant to submit to the Iowa High School Sports Network by June 3, 2016.  The Iowa High School Sports Network will notify High School Principals of the 2016 recipients and the award will be presented at a banquet in July, 2016.  The application and all the details can be found at: http://www.unitypointscholarathletes.com/

Prairie Mutual Insurance
Prairie Mutual Insurance Association of Keota will be awarding three $500.00 
scholarships this spring. To qualify, an applicant must be a 2016 graduate from high 
school with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.25 out of a possible 4.0 
and intends on enrolling in an Iowa university, college, community college, technical 
school or trade school.  
The applicant or the applicant’s parents must be a policyholder of Prairie Mutual 
Insurance Association with one of the following agencies writing for Prairie Mutual: 
English Valley Insurance Agency—North English, 
Gentry Insurance Agency/Hollander Ins.—Ollie—Packwood—Fairfield, 
Grimm Real Estate & Insurance, Inc.—North English—South English—Williamsburg, 
Heil Insurance Agency—Oskaloosa, 
Horak Insurance—Sigourney, 
Lyle Insurance Agency—Keota, 
McCune & Reed, Inc.—Ottumwa, or 
Heitmann Insurance Services, Inc.—Victor—Williamsburg (
Children of Prairie Mutual Insurance directors, employees and insurance agents are not eligible to compete for the scholarships.  Grandchildren of employees, directors, and agents are eligible.)  APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Indian Hills Cheer Team
We are excited to announce that we are actively recruiting for the 2016-2017 season.  The Indian Hills Cheer Team has the privilege of cheering for our Nationally ranked Warrior Basketball team, Volleyball team, and travels all over the country to recruit and for Competition.  Highlights so far this year have been Chicago, Colorado, and Indianapolis.  We look forward to the rest of our season and cannot wait for next year!  We have already signed 17 athletes for 2016-1017 season and expect to continue and ultimately have 2 teams for next year. To be considered for a scholarship it is best to contact Coach Cyndi Mellin, Cyndi.Mellin@indianhills.edu and try out as soon as possible.

Marengo Memorial Hospital
The Marengo Memorial Hospital Nursing Staff is offering 2 - $500 scholarships for graduating seniors who reside in the Marengo Memorial Hospital service area and plan to pursue a degree in nursing.  Please, see Mrs. Colbert for application forms and a list of criteria for the scholarship.  Completed applications and essays due to Mrs. Colbert byApril 1, 2016.  

Hawkeye Community College

Hawkeye Community College has an amazing opportunity for high school seniors to earn free money!  Our Achievement Scholarship is awarded to graduating high school seniors. Each scholarship award is worth $1,000. If you took six or more college credits while in high school, you may qualify for a $2,000 scholarship. There is up to $100,000 of free money given out to high school seniors!! Deadline for this scholarship is March 1st  for the Fall 2016 semester, so hurry and apply!!!  More Information If you have question, please contact Shannon or Carah in the admissions office by email at carah.mabry@hawkeyecollege.edu or shannon.hoyer@hawkeyecollege.edu .

 

DMACC Foundation
The DMACC Foundation is offering a scholarship for High School Seniors who are graduating this spring (2016) and plan on attending any of the Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) 
locations this fall (2016).  Application deadline is Friday, March 4th.  To access the application, please go to: https://www.dmacc.edu/foundation/Pages/application.aspx and click on "Apply Now."

Keokuk County Retired School Personnel Association Scholarship
The Keokuk County Retired School Personnel Association Scholarship application is now available in my office.  High School seniors who are planning to attend college to pursue education degrees are eligible to apply!  The completed applications will be picked up from me on April 1, 2016.  YOUR COMPLETED APPLICATION SHOULD BE TURNED IN TO ME PRIOR TO APRIL 1ST.   

Cedar Rapids Family and Consumer Science Association
The Cedar Rapids Family and Consumer Science Association is offering a $300 scholarship award.  Eligible students will be graduating from high school or college in the Grant Wood AEA region with an interest in pursuing a career in the area of Family and Consumer Science.  Application deadline: May 15, 2016.  Please, see Mrs. Colbert for additional details.

Iowa PGA Foundation -- In memory of Charlie Burkart
The Iowa PGA Foundation, the charitable arm of the Iowa PGA Section of America offers an annual scholarship opportunity in memory of one of our members-- Charlie Burkart.  This scholarship is open to any graduating senior within our section boundaries and any graduating student of an Iowa high school.  It is awarded every year to one recipient.  The winner will receive $1000 each year of full-time attendance for four years at a college or university of their choice.

Scholarship winners are selected on the basis of their interest and activity in golf, the potential for future contributions to the game, leadership skills/community involvement, then on their academic ability and financial need.  Please, note that applicants must complete the application and mail it to the scholarship committee prior to June 15, 2016.   Please, see Mrs. Colbert for an application.  

Companies Giving Back  
* Please note:  The EV school district is not a sponsor of the following scholarships.  This list was shared with me, and I am passing it along.  Please, do your due diligence and thoroughly investigate any scholarship organization prior to sharing your personal information. Thank you. --Mrs. Colbert
The scholarships, which are being sponsored by companies as a way to give back to the community, are open to all U.S. residents who are either high school seniors or already enrolled college students. The requirements are a little different for each, but most only require students to write a 500 word essay on a topic related to the sponsor's industry. All are completely free! The organizations will not sell your students' information to any third parties. 

For essay topics and more detailed information on each of the opportunities, check out these websites:

 



BUICK ACHIEVERS Scholarship Program:  
Extraordinary people all have a story: Seeking to over-come obstacles, the steps they have taken, bettering themselves and their communities.  The Buick Achievers Scholarship Program recognizes and supports their journey.  We want to help those who put forth the effort and find success both in and out of the classroom, yet are unable to attend college without financial assistance.
We encourage the following to apply:
* High school seniors and current undergraduates
* Those who plan to enroll full time at a four-year college or university in 2016-2017
* Those who plan to major in a specified course of study focused on engineering, technology or design, with an interest in the automotive industry.  

Application deadline:  February 29, 2016.  Visit our website for more information:  www.buickachievers.com

American Educational Guidance Center
Students and parents are invited to use,  <http://www.college-scholarships.com/schools/iowa/>, which lists and offers contact information for virtually all post-secondary schools, colleges, and universities in your state.

Catherine McAuley Scholarship Program
Consistent with the mission of Mount Mercy University and the Sisters of Mercy, we are pleased to offer the Catherine McAuley Scholarship.  The scholarship provides free tuition to Iowa students whose family income is $45,000 or less annually.  These scholarships are renewable for up to four years.  
For additional information, please see the bulletin board outside Mrs. Colbert's office or visit www.mtmercy.edu/free-tuition.
Iowa State University Hixson Opportunity Award Program
The Hixson Award is a half-tuition scholarship offered annually to 100 Iowa students.  Award recipients must show financial need (based on FAFSA), and priority will be given to students who have overcome challenges.  For additional details, please go to:  www.hixson.dso.iastate.edu/.

SFM Foundation Scholarship Opportunity
​ The SFM Foundation provides scholarships to students whose parents were killed or seriously injured in workplace accidents while working for Minnesota, Iowa, or Wisconsin employers.  Application deadline is March 31, 2016.  At up to $10,000 per year, for up to five years, these scholarships are substantial enough to make a real difference for students.  For details, please call #855.621.2076.  or Email: debra.zorn@sfmfoundation.com.

The Hixson Opportunity Award is a four-year grant of one-half tuition and fees to be used at Iowa State University.  One hundred high school seniors from across Iowa will receive the award each year, representing each county in the state.  If you are a high school senior who demonstrates potential in ways that go beyond class rankings and test scores, you may wish to apply.  February 1, 2016, application deadline.  www.dso.iastate.edu/hixson/application.

The Better Business Bureau is proud to offer their annual Student of Integrity scholarship of $2500 to eight (8) high school seniors in the BBB service area.  Requirements for this scholarship include a written essay on the topic of integrity, a description of school and community involvement, a description of future academic plans and 2 letters of recommendation.  BBB will accept one application per  high school.  Application materials must be submitted to Mrs. Colbert by January 4, 2016.

Mt. Mercy University  Catherine McAuley Scholarship.  Free tuition for four years!  Learn more about the Catherine McAuley Scholarship at mtmercy.edu/free-tuition.  Complete your application at mtmercy.edu/apply.

Summer Hawk Tuition Grant.  All first-year incoming students are automatically eligible, and there's no application.  You can use the grant money in any single summer after a year when you've enrolled in at least 24 credits.  Find more info online at admissions.uiowa.edu/finances/scholarships.  

Please, see Mrs. Colbert for a list of Selected Scholarships for First-Year Students at the University of Iowa.  For additional scholarships at the University of Iowa, visit the Iowa Scholarship Portal:  scholarships.uiowa.edu.

National Honor Society Scholarship.  Any senior member of our NHS chapter may apply for an NHS scholarship.  Students are not required to demonstrate financial need.  Please, see Mrs. Colbert for details.  Application deadline:  February 16, 2016

Scholarship Opportunity from Hy-Vee:  Students who are Hy-Vee employees are encouraged to apply.  Applications must be postmarked by February 10, 2016.  www.iowagrocers.com.

Iowa Automobile Dealers Foundation for Education:  Accepting applications for $2000 scholarships, which will be awarded to students interested in pursuing careers in the automotive industry.  Application deadline:  March 1, 2016.  Please, see Mrs. Colbert for details.  

The IT Leadership Forum Technology Scholarship is a $1000 scholarship awarded to Iowa high school seniors who have been involved in STEM classes or clubs and plan to pursue a technology-related degree at an Iowa college, university or community college.  Complete the online application form:  https://goo.gl/VRZr1f.  Application deadline is March 1, 2016.  

First Friday Breakfast Club:  Awards scholarships to Iowa high school seniors to recognize student efforts to reduce homophobia and increase awareness and tolerance of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) issues in their schools and communities.  Awards will be made in the amount of $3000 per student.  Please, see Mrs. Colbert for application details or visit www.ffbciowa.org.  Application due date:  March 15, 2016.  
Iowa Student Loan:  Iowa Financial Know-How Challenge: Senior Scholarship.  Visit www.IowaStudentLoan.org/Senior Scholarship to register and read complete rules between November 2, 2015, and March 4, 2016.

The Sleeklens Academic Scholarship Program
Open to all your full-time students, as well as to high school seniors that you may have awarded acceptance letters for the 2016 academic year.

All applicants will get a chance to win $2000 that will be used to cover academic expenses including, but not limited to, tuition fees, books, laptops, and other equipment. The three winners with the best applications will be selected and awarded $2000 each to cover the aforementioned expenses.
All the details pertaining to The Sleeklens Academic Scholarship Program, including application requirements and application instructions, can be found at http://sleeklens.com/the-sleeklens-academic-scholarship/.
The deadline for submitting the applications is 11:59 PM EST, March 31, 2016. Winners will be announced 7 working days after the close of the application process.

The Pearl Hull Falk Scholarship
Requirements:  of the Protestant faith, resident of the State of Iowa, attending the University of Iowa full-time
Application deadline:  May 2, 2016.  
Please see Mrs. Colbert for application

The Hagan Scholarship
The Hagan Scholarships are intended for high achieving students who will require financial assistance in order to attend college.  Please see Mrs. Colbert for eligibility requirements.  Application deadline is November 15, 2015.

ConAP:  Concurrent Admissions Program.  Enlist in the Army or Army Reserve and attend college at the same time.  Please visit goarmy.com or see Mrs. Colbert for additional information.

GE-REAGAN Foundation Scholarship Program.  This national program awards college scholarships to high school seniors who embody the characteristics of President Ronald Reagan at school, in the community, in the workplace, and at home.  Apply online through www.reaganfoundation.org/scholarships.  Deadline:  January 7, 2016.

Ronald McDonald House Charities U.S. Scholarship Program.  
This program seeks to invest in students who are exemplary role models in their communities and have the initiative to fulfill their educational goals.  Visit www.rmhc.org for complete program details and eligibility requirements.  Application deadline:  January 20, 2016.

Iowa State University: Special Awards for Iowa Residents
President's Award for Competitive Excellence
Academic Recognition Award
Cardinal Leadership Scholar Award
Undergraduate Scholarship Resources (please see online listings)

MCEC Technical Scholarships
Grand Lodge of Iowa
The Mark Earl and Esther Ruth Spencer Technical Scholarships will be awarded to a number of graduating Iowa public high school seniors who plan to enroll in a mechanical or trade course of study at an accredited Iowa Community College.  The scholarships may be used for any bona fide school related expense such as tuition, books, fees, and tools.  All completed applications must be postmarked no later than March 1, 2106.  No exceptions.  Applications are available from Mrs. Colbert or at www.grandlodgeofiowa.com.
 
Wendy’s High School Heisman
WendysHeisman.com
IF YOU’RE A HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR DEDICATED TO LEARNING, LEADING AND PERFORMING, you HAVE EXACTLY WHAT IT TAKES to become a Wendy’s High School Heisman.Eligibility begins with maintaining a GPA of 3.0 (B average) or better. Applicants also need to be proven leaders and role models within their school and community. And applicants must perform in at least one of the 43 school sponsored sports recognized by the International Olympic Committee in the Summer and Winter Olympic Games or the National Federation of State High School Association.
 
Kansas State College of Engineering
November 1, 2015
K-State priority scholarship deadline.  This application covers all engineering scholarships.
PLEASE, CHECK COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY WEBSITES (OR CALL THEIR FINANCIAL AID OFFICES) REGARDING FAFSA DEADLINES.  MANY SCHOOLS SET MARCH 1, 2016 AS THEIR PRIORITY DATE FOR SUBMITTING THE FAFSA.
DISTINGUISHED YOUNG WOMEN
Rewarding and showcasing excellence in academic achievement, physical fitness, interview and on-stage performance skills in talent and public speaking.
www.Distinguished YW.org/Participate
 
The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards were created by the National Association of Secondary School Principals and Prudential Financial in 1995 to honor both middle level and high school students for outstanding acts of community service.  This program provides and opportunity to celebrate the spirit of volunteerism and recognize students who have distinguished themselves through community service.  Applications are available at http://spirit.prudential.com or www.nassp.org/spirit. Applications must be submitted by November 3, 2015.
 
For the 2015-2016 school year, Mediacom Communications is again offering (55) $1000, non-renewable scholarships through its World Class Scholarship Program to senior high school students in areas of the 21 states where it provides service for cable, internet and telephone.  While it is not required that the student be a Mediacom customer, applicants must live in the areas serviced by Mediacom.  For additional information, please email:  scholarship@mediacomcc.com.  The deadline for applications is February 15, 2016. 
 
The Iowa Newspaper Foundation (INF) again has college scholarships available for students preparing for a newspaper career.  The application process is entirely online and completed by visiting the scholarship application link on the homepage of www.INAnews.com.  Application deadline:  February 12, 2016.


2016-17 AEGON/Transamerica Foundation - Kirkwood Scholarships for Students with Disabilities

The AEGON/Transamerica Foundation Kirkwood Scholarships is offering two $650 scholarships for students with disabilities who will attend Kirkwood Community College in the fall of 2016. 
The scholarships are open to:

  • Seniors with IEPs attending a high school within GWAEA who plan to attend KCC in the fall of 2016, or

  • KCC students currently enrolled in VITAL who plan to continue at KCC after exiting the VITAL program.

These scholarships are not open to students who:

  • are from non-GWAEA school districts

  • do not have an IEP

  • have received this scholarship in the past

Due date for applications and all required material is March 30, 2016.