Scholarships available for high school seniors

By Rob Tucker

There’s snow on the ground, but it won’t be long before the school year comes to an end, and high school seniors graduate.

Some of you may remember that I enjoy serving on the Rotary Club of Des Moines scholarship committee each year. I want to make sure you are aware of the application deadline for that scholarship as well as several others available in Iowa.

Regardless of the sponsor, most of these opportunities require that a FAFSA — Free Application for Federal Student Aid — be submitted.  Here's the link to the FAFSA form.


All Iowa Opportunity Scholarship — Deadline: Monday March 1, 2021
The amount of the AIOS adjusts each year. For reference, the maximum value for the 2020-21 school year was $4,644. Applicants must have graduated from an Iowa high school or completed a high school equivalency diploma and must attend an eligible Iowa college or university.
Visit website to apply

Guardian Scholars Foundation — Deadline: Monday March 1, 2021
In partnership with the Iowa Department of Human Services, this scholarship provides up to $8000 yearly for students who spent time in Iowa foster care between the ages of 14 and 18 to help them attend an Iowa college or university. The number of scholarships varies from year to year depending on available funds.
Visit website to apply

Iowa Tuition Grant  — Deadline: July 1, 2021
The amount adjusts each year. For reference the maximum award in 2020-21 school year was $6,200. To quality, the student must be an Iowa resident, enroll in an Iowa college or university and submit the FAFSA form.
Visit website to apply

Prairie Meadows Scholarships — Deadline: Monday, March 1, 2021
Two $2,500 scholarships are awarded to a graduating high school senior at every participating high school in Polk County.
Visit website to apply

Rotary Club of Des Moines — Deadline: Friday, March 5, 2021
An $8,000 scholarship ($2000 per year for four years) is awarded to one recipient from each of the six Des Moines high schools: East, Hoover, Lincoln, North, Roosevelt and Scavo.
Visit website to apply

In addition to these scholarships, all colleges and universities have their own scholarship programs. A FAFSA application form will be required.

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