FAFSA & Scholarships

FAFSA 101

The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is an application form that you must complete and submit to the government in order to receive federal financial aid. Once you fill it out, the government will share your information with your chosen schools.

The 24-25 FAFSA Application is now open!  Here is a FAFSA Information Sheet with some basic information you may need when completing the FAFSA application.

FAFSA Nights at Washington:  If you need help filing the FAFSA please use the Sign Up Genius Form linked to the dates to reserve your spot.  The dates are January 17th and January 23rd from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm in Room 128 on both dates.  These are by appointment only so we can make sure we can help those who come. If these dates or times do not work for you and your parent(s) OR the time that does work is already taken, you can schedule an individual appointment with Ms. Mangrich using this calendar link.  If your parents need a time that is after my available times just email me and I can usually find a date/time where I can stay later for an appointment.  You will need to have your FSA ID completed 7 days in advance of your appointment for both student/parent.

Priority Deadlines - The priority deadline is for students to be eligible to receive the maximum amount of dollars that could be awarded to you.  This does not mean you will automatically get scholarships if you meet this deadline but it does mean you will be eligible to receive those scholarships. It is important to note you can still apply and be accepted into college after the priority deadline but you will miss out on scholarships/grants you may have been eligible to receive.  

• If you are applying to U of Iowa, Iowa State or University of Northern Iowa - You need to have your applications submitted, scholarship application submitted (this is different from your application for acceptance), and your FAFSA application submitted by Feb. 1st to meet the priority deadline.   

• If you are applying to a private University priority deadline is typically end of Feb or beginning of March but varies by school 

• If you are applying to a Community College priority deadline is typically in the middle of March

You must complete a new FAFSA  each year you attend school.

The Iowa College Access Network (ICAN) offers free assistance in filing the FAFSA. Students and families can sign up for an in-person or virtual appointment by using the registration link below.

• Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

• Address: Linn County Regional Education Center, 1770 Boyson Road, Hiawatha, IA 52233 (Map)

• Phone: (877) 272-4692 

• Website: http://www.icansucceed.org/

Visit https://www.princetonreview.com/college-advice/fafsa-faqs for a more detailed look at FAFSA info.

If you're ready to complete your FAFSA, the direct link is https://fafsa.ed.gov/. 

Scholarships

Finding Scholarships

The CRCSD Scholarship Page is a comprehensive website dedicated to helping Cedar Rapids students find college scholarships. You’ll find links to the financial aid offices for colleges in the state of Iowa, award search engines, and more!

Applications for scholarships available to Washington students only will be posted when available.

For information regarding scholarship opportunities from specific colleges, students should search the college’s web pages for a complete listing of scholarships and financial aid programs offered by the college.

Scholarship Search App: https://search.myscholly.com/register 

Scholarship Tips

Apply for as many scholarships as you can!  Someone will be awarded the money...why not you?

Look for scholarships available at each college to which you've applied.

Ask for recommendation letters early!  Most people are happy to write one if given plenty of notice.

Prepare a resume with academic, extra-curricular, leadership, and service information.

Check out the Cedar Rapids Community School District Scholarship website for scholarships and information. Click on Scholarship Opportunities to see a list of scholarships with their deadlines.

The Elks Foundation Legacy Scholarship is for a college-bound senior who is a child or grandchild of a dues paying Elks member. Recipients will be required to perform annual service with an Elks lodge during the four years of receiving the $4000 scholarship. Deadline is February 5th at 1:59pm CT. 

The Alliant Energy Innovation Scholarship is for a senior who is a dependent child of a current Alliant Energy customer and plans to attend an accredited two- or four-year college, university, or vocational-technical school located in Iowa or Wisconsin. The student must be enrolling for the first time in full-time undergraduate study in business or a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Math) field and have a GPA between 2.5 and 4.0 (unweighted). 25 $1000 scholarships will be awarded. Deadline to apply is February 15th. 

The Roofing Alliance Melvin Kruger Endowed Scholarship Program offers three scholarship opportunities. All categories are open to dependent children of roofing industry company employees, as well as construction management students or students enrolled in CTE programs or schools. Applicants may apply for one of the following scholarship categories: The Accredited Post-Secondary Institution Scholarship, The Accredited Career Technical Education Scholarship, or the Diversity Scholarship. Award amounts vary from $1000 (non renewable) to $5000 (renewable for three additional years - $20,000 total). Deadline to apply is January 31st.

The Union Plus Scholarship is for children of current and retired members of participating unions. The student must be accepted into a U.S. accredited college, university, community college, technical or trade school by May 31st and carry a 3.0 GPA (unweighted). Scholarships range from $500 - $4000. Over 190 scholarships will be awarded. Deadline to apply is 11 am January 31st. 

The National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) is made up of 26 inter/national sororities and is the largest advocacy and support organization for the women’s-only sorority experience. NPC plans to award 10 college scholarships of US$2,000 each through our NPC Centennial Scholarships Program. The NPC Centennial Scholarships online application form is available now through March 10, 2024. Recipients will be announced in May 2024. Click here to apply. 

Theta chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma awards an educational scholarship in the amount of $500 to a student working toward an education degree.  High school seniors, community college and college/university students are invited to apply.   The deadline for applying is March 15, 2023. Application Link

Heartland Business Systems is excited to share our Scholarship Opportunity for Highschool Seniors! This scholarship is being offered to Highschool seniors planning to continue their education in the IT field. The link below takes students to our application portal for the scholarship: https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/Details/2086017/2024-Heartland-Business-Systems-Scholarship

Quarterly scholarship of $2,500 with a generic theme of “Cirkled In - No Sweat” Scholarship and no essay. There is no minimum GPA or any income requirement. This new scholarship will run Jan 1st- Mar 31st, 2024. The award amount is $2,500. Everything else is the same as our previous scholarships- the url (www.cirkledin.com/scholarships), the application process, the eligibility requirements, etc. Notification to the winner will be by May 15th 2024.  Title: “No Sweat” Scholarship

Amount: $2,500 Number of awards: 1 Due Date: March 31st 2024 Application URL: www. https://www.cirkledin.com/scholarships/

Application Process: Apply on above URL. Free application. Easy Application Need Based: NO  Minimum GPA required: NO Essay Required: NO Award sent to: Direct to Student

American Water Inclusion and Diversity Scholarship program is awarding up to ten renewable scholarships of $10,000 ($40,000 total) to students in 24 states (Iowa included). Applicants must self-identify as a member of at least one of the following traditionally underrepresented groups: American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian, Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, Female (any race or ethnicity). Students must be interested in pursuing a certificate or degree in a non-medical STEM or business-related field. See website for additional requirements. Deadline to apply is January 31 at 3:00 CST.

The Grand Lodge of Iowa Masonic Scholarships award up to sixty $2000 scholarships to Iowa public high school seniors planning to attend a two-or four-year college program. Recipients are selected after completing a comprehensive application and in-depth interview. The primary criterion is service and leadership in school and community. Academic record, communication skills, and need for financial assistance are also considered. Plan ahead—application must be postmarked no later than February 1st. 

The Iowa School Counselor Association High School Senior Scholarship awards one 12th grade student attending high school in Iowa $500 for writing a 250 word (max) essay about a school counselor who made a difference during their K-12 career. Deadline to apply is January 19th.

The $2000 Common App Scholarship is for students in grades 11 and 12 who will be attending college or university no later than October 2025. Students must have a GPA of 2.5 or greater during their last academic year and answer one of the common app essay prompts in less than 700 words. The scholarship deadline is February 29th.

The P.L.A.Y Scholars Helping Collars scholarship rewards students who can tell the best story, describing the impact he or she made in the life of a rescue animal. To apply, high school seniors need to submit an essay between 500 and 1000 words detailing their volunteer efforts to help animals in need by February 26th. Applicants must include photos of volunteer efforts with essay submission. First place receives a $1,500 scholarship, Second place $300, and Third place $200.

The Vegetarian Resource Group College scholarship will award one $10,000 and four $5000 scholarships to high school seniors who have promoted vegetarianism in their schools and/or communities. Applicants will be judged on having shown compassion, courage, and a strong commitment to promoting a peaceful world through a vegetarian diet/lifestyle. Deadline to apply is February 20th.

Be one of four hundred students chosen for a $40,000 ($10,000/year) Amazon Future Engineer scholarship towards an undergraduate degree in engineering or computer science and a guaranteed paid summer internship at Amazon! Seniors who are currently enrolled in or who have completed a high school or college dual degree course where computer science, engineering, or robotics is the subject can apply. Eligibility requirements include a GPA of 2.3 (unweighted) and demonstrated financial need. See website for more information. Deadline to apply is December 15th. 

The Mediacom World Class Scholars Scholarship Program awards recipients with $1000 to help with college expenses. Graduating applicants need to show academic achievement (unweighted GPA of 3.0 or higher), demonstrated leadership abilities, and school and community involvement. Application, references, and an essay are required so plan ahead! Deadline to apply is January 30th.

THE PEARL HULL FALK SCHOLARSHIP   NEW DEADLINE   Award Amount   $5,000.00     We would like to remind you of the availability of the Pearl Hull Falk Scholarship administered by MidWestOne Bank, as Trustee of the Pearl Hull Falk Trust. Eligibility Requirements:    1)  of a Protestant faith  2)  resident of the State of Iowa 3. attending the University of Iowa full-time  Included, please find a newly revised application packet; this packet may be printed and photocopied as needed.  Please discard any prior versions you may have on file.   The application deadline for the 2024-2025 academic year is March 1, 2024. click here for the application. 

The Taco Bell Live Más Scholarship is a scholarship for students 16 to 26 who are passionate about creating a better future and making a positive impact. This scholarship is not needs or achievement-based, it is passion-based.To apply, students submit a video between 30 seconds and 2 minutes in length. The Live Más Scholarship will award up to $10 million in renewable scholarships in 2024 to selected recipients. The deadline to apply is January 3rd. 

The GE Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program honors the legacy and character of our nation’s 40th President. It rewards college-bound students who demonstrate exemplary leadership, drive, integrity, and citizenship with financial assistance to pursue higher education. Students must have an unweighted GPA of 3.0 or higher to apply. Numerous awards of $10,000 each will be granted. Awards are renewable and may be used over a period of six consecutive years for a total award of $40,000. Deadline to apply is January 4th.

The Ron Brown Scholarship competitively awards 50 four-year $40,000 scholarships ($10,000 each year) to the most talented and economically-challenged high school seniors who demonstrate a keen interest in public service, community engagement, business entrepreneurship and global citizenship. Recipients may use the scholarship to attend an accredited four-year college or university of their choice within the United States. Applicants for the Ron Brown Scholarship MUST be Black/African American and apply by December 1st.

The $1000 Gen and Kelly Tanabe Scholarship is open to students in grades 9-12 and can be used toward expenses at any college or university. In order to offer a level playing field for students, the 250 word essay is the only consideration. The deadline to apply is December 31st.

The 2024 Jackie Robinson Foundation (JRF) scholarship application is now open! Please share this flyer with your network. JRF Scholars receive grants of up to $35,000 over four years to supplement the financial aid they receive from their colleges or universities. In addition, Scholars receive extensive support services, including career guidance and internship placement, and attend JRF’s annual multi-day "Mentoring and Leadership Conference" in New York City and other regional events throughout the year. JRF Staff will be hosting a Q&A session on Tuesday, November 28 to answer any questions you have about the application process. Drop by any time using this link between 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM ET.

The Ted & Holly Rollins Scholarship awards $5,000 to a college-bound student hoping to make an impact on the world. The application closes on November 15th.

Tailon Leitzsey's "Perseverance Is Key" Scholarship is open to high school students who are 13 years of age and older. Special consideration will be given to minority students, students who have experienced foster care, and students who are or will be the first in their family to attend college. $1000 scholarships will be awarded to four applicants. The deadline to apply is December 15th.

The Equitable Excellence scholarship is for seniors who demonstrate outstanding achievement in school, community or work-related activities. Up to 100 renewable awards of $5,000 per year for a total of $20,000 and up to 100 one-time honorariums of $2,500 each will be granted. Students must plan to enroll in a two-year or four-year college or university. Deadline to apply is December 18th. 

The Roger W. Kahn Scholarship awards up to four $10,000 scholarships to high school seniors who enroll in an engineering major at a college or university! Students must have a demonstrated interest in aerospace through extracurricular activities, a minimum GPA of 3.5, and an AIAA High School Membership – It’s Free! The scholarship also includes: Complimentary airfare and hotel to attend the 2024 AIAA Awards Gala and provides a mentor from AIAA’s professional members to help guide the student to achieve a career in aerospace. Applications close on December 31st.

Stephen J. Brady Stop Hunger Scholarships reward students that are working to end hunger in their communities. Winners get a $10,000 scholarship for college and a $5000 grant to give to the hunger-related charity of their choice. In addition, National winners will attend an all-expenses-paid trip to the Foundation’s annual fundraising event on June 10-12, 2024, in Marco Island, FL. Deadline to apply is December 5th and is open to students in all grades. 

The Burger King Scholars Program is for seniors with a GPA of 2.0 and above. The awards range from $1,000 to $50,000. Whether planning to attend a local vocational or technical school, or enroll in a four year bachelor's degree program at a state university, you may be eligible! What are you waiting for? The deadline to apply is December 15th. 

Medical Scrubs Scholarship recognizes individuals who go above and beyond to help others every day by offering an annual scholarship for high school seniors planning to study a health or medical-related field such as therapy, nursing, medicine, nutrition, laboratory science, dentistry, etc. Applicants have a chance to win $1000 towards their college tuition by answering one question: What inspired you to pursue a career in helping others? Students need a minimum GPA of 3.0. Deadline to apply is December 15th.

The $500 Rove Pest Control Scholarship is open to seniors planning to attend a college or university. Although open to anyone, preference will go to students pursuing a degree in entomology (study of insects) or a related field. Deadline is December 31, 2023.

The Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship Program is available to high-achieving high school seniors with financial need. Each award of up to $55,000 per year (total value up to $220,000) helps to cover tuition, living expenses, books, and required fees at a four-year accredited college or university. To be eligible, students must have a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.5 and a family gross income of less than $95,000. See website for additional application requirements. Deadline to apply is November 16th. 

The Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) essay contest is for students in grades 9-12. Students write a 350 word essay on “What Memorial Day Means to Me.” Awards are given at the local, regional, and national levels for each grade level, with the grand national winner receiving $5,000. Please go to the link below for specific information. Deadline is December 1st.

The Elks Most Valuable Student scholarship awards the top 20 students pursuing a four-year degree at a U.S. college or university $20,000 to $50,000 over four years. 480 runners-up receive $4,000 scholarships. Deadline to apply is November 13th.

The ISL Education Lending Scholarship is an opportunity for all high school students, grades 9-12, to learn about planning and paying for college. In addition, parents or guardians and current college students may enter. 45 Winners receive $1000 deposits into College Savings Iowa accounts so students can choose when and how to use the awards. Simply Visit: www.IowaStudentLoan.org/Enter to register between September 1 and November 30, 2023.

The Coca-Cola Scholars Program scholarship awards students $20,000 who are making a significant impact on their schools and communities. Deadline to apply is 6 p.m. October 2nd.

VFW Voice of Democracy is an audio-essay program that provides students in grades 9-12 with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay. The 2023-24 theme is: "What Are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy?"

State winners receive an all-expense-paid trip to Washington D.C. and the chance to compete for $160,000 in scholarships - with the first place winner receiving a $35,000 scholarship. Deadline is October 31st.

The Home Depot Foundation’s Path to Pro Scholarship offers seniors planning to enroll in an approved trade-related program at an accredited two-year school in the US a $2,000 scholarship. To be considered, programs must focus on Carpentry, Electrical, HVAC, Plumbing, or Construction Management. Deadline to apply is September 30th.

Polymer Chemistry Innovations (PCI) offers the Women in STEM Scholarship to further support the education and careers of women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. The winner will be awarded $2,000 towards her education. Deadline to apply is October 15th.

National Hispanic Heritage Month. Check out the many scholarships for Hispanic and Latino students:

College Scholarships for Hispanic and Latinx Students

HSF Scholar

Scholarships & Resources for Hispanic & Latino students

The Heisman High School Scholarship recognizes and rewards outstanding senior scholar-athletes who understand that the most important victories not only happen on the field, but in their schools and communities. These remarkable young leaders set an example and make a game-changing difference every day, paving the way to greatness for everyone around them. A male and female winner from each state will be awarded $1,000. National finalists receive $2000 and winners receive $10,000 scholarships. See Mr. Thomsen if you have any questions. Application closes October 17th. 

Military Scholarships

The Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) is seeking qualified applicants for the Marine, Navy, and Nurse Option Programs. Students selected will receive a tuition scholarship towards their Bachelor’s degree, and monthly allowance. Read carefully and begin the application process early! Navy ROTC Scholarship

AND…

Senator Grassley has the distinct honor of nominating some of Iowa’s brightest and most

talented students to attend one of our nation’s prestigious Service Academies:

- Air Force Academy

- Military Academy at West Point

- Naval Academy

- Merchant Marine Academy

- Coast Guard Academy (does not require a congressional nomination)

These academies offer full four-year scholarships for a world-class education and an opportunity to serve our nation. Students who attend a service academy will graduate with a Bachelors of Science degree, commission as a 2nd Lieutenant, and commit to at least five years of military service. Deadline to apply is October 20th. Academy Application

Viterbo University is having a nutrition and dietetics scholarship event on November 10th with a top scholarship of $24,000 to be used over 4 years.  I have attached a flyer that has more information about the event. Click here for more details.