External Scholarship Opportunities

Scholarship opportunities presented here are from organizations external to Kirkwood Community College, and reflect the most current information they have provided us. The external organization is the final authority regarding scholarship amounts, deadlines, eligibility criteria, and other relevant information. Kirkwood is not responsible for incorrect information listed here. We hope this content is helpful to you in your search for scholarships.

We are uploading new content continuously, make sure to come back later for updates. Last updated: February 13, 2025

Scholarship Deadlines

 

Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation Scholarships
The Community Foundation Scholarship Program recognizes student achievements and supports deserving students. To view and apply for scholarships available for high school seniors, visit https://www.gcrcf.org/teachers-students/scholarships/applying-for-scholarships/. The deadline for applications is February 21.

 

The National Association of Women in Construction is a nonprofit association of women actively employed in many facets of the construction industry, with more than 6,000 members in chapters throughout the United States. Each year Des Moines, Chapter #80, is proud to offer scholarships to male or female candidates pursuing a career in the construction industry. The amount of the scholarships range from $1,000 to $7,500. Applications are due February 28.

2025 Iowa State Elks Association Vocational Grant

The Iowa State Elks Association is pleased to offer twenty $1,500 Vocational Grants to individuals pursuing a vocational (2-year or less and/or less than a bachelor’s degree) training/educational program. These grants are open to current high school seniors or any non-traditional student pursuing a program at an accredited school. These grants are not intended for students who will pursue a 4-year degree. Applications are due March 3.

 

Quota of Cedar Rapids is a non-profit organization that’s mission is to help and support the hearing impaired. Quota of Cedar Rapids offers a scholarship for any college-level (entering or currently attending college) hearing-impaired student or a college junior/senior/graduate student in a hearing related major (speech and language pathology, deaf education, audiology). Applications are due March 14. 

 

The Community Foundation of Johnson County hosts multiple scholarship funds. These funds were established by generous donors with the intent of assisting students in achieving their post-secondary education goals. Descriptions and application information for each of the active scholarship funds can be found at https://cfjc.org/scholarships/. Applications are due March 15.

 

James Warren Smith “Success in Education” Scholarship

The James W. Smith Scholarship Fund was established in February 2001. Many knew Jimmy as a mentor, friend, percussionist and private drum instructor. He participated in various community activities and his music was instrumental throughout the state of Iowa. To honor Jimmy’s love for music and his commitment to the education of youth, a $500 scholarship will be awarded to graduating high school seniors or college undergraduates to assist in furthering their education at an accredited college, community college, junior college or university.

Applicants must:

  • Be a graduating senior from a Waterloo, Cedar Falls, Des Moines, West Des Moines (or surrounding areas) public high school or a college undergraduate.
  • Demonstrate a 2.5 or greater GPA.
  • Be accepted to a four-year, community, junior college or university.
  • Be of good character and have leadership qualities.
  • Provide proof of financial need.

Applications are due March 31.

The Roy J. Carver Scholarship Program was established to assist students who, like Roy J. Carver, are capable of “pulling themselves up by the bootstraps.” In addition to academic merit, potential in field of study, and financial need, the selection committee will consider extenuating circumstances that present challenges to obtaining a degree. For example, students from one-parent families; students attending college while working full-time; students with social, mental, or physical disabilities; students with families to support; or students of great artistic ability who score only average on standardized tests.

To be eligible for the Roy J. Carver Scholarship Program for 2025-'26, a student must meet the following criteria:

  • U.S. Citizen
  • Graduate of an accredited Iowa high school, or resident of the state of Iowa for at least five consecutive years immediately prior to application
  • College Junior Classification fall semester 2025
  • Full-time enrollment (12 credits or more)
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.80
  • Demonstrate financial need on the basis of a 2025-'26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
  • Present evidence of unusual social and/or other barriers to attending college full-time

Online application, essay, and two letters of reference are due April 1.

 

Green Pest Management is a rapidly growing pest control company committed to making a positive and lasting impact on the communities it serves, the partners it works with, and future leaders who will shape a better tomorrow. As part of this commitment, Green Pest Management proudly offers a scholarship opportunity to empower students, leaders, and future generations who are dedicated to making a meaningful difference in their communities. By supporting education and inspiring leadership, the company strives to foster innovation, growth, and positive change.

Students must submit a resume and an essay to apply for the scholarship. Applications are due April 15.

 

Seidler Foundation

Each year, the Seidler Foundation awards 12th Grade Scholarships to qualified recipients that will enroll at and attend Kirkwood Community College. Awardees will participate in customized student success on-campus supports to enable them to earn an associate degree and/or credit-bearing certificate or diploma at Kirkwood.

Awardees will receive a $5,000/year scholarship for up to two years. If they earn an associate degree within the two years, they may be eligible to apply for continuing funding of $10,000/year for up to two additional years to pursue and complete a bachelor’s degree.

Qualified applicants must:

  • Be enrolled in 12th grade at Jefferson High School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa
  • Have a minimum unweighted 2.0 cumulative high school GPA
  • Have significant financial need (≤12,000 SAI – Student Aid Index – on the FAFSA)
  • Be lawfully present in the U.S., or present as identified by at least one of the following: a U.S. citizen or national of the U.S., a U.S. lawful permanent resident, an individual authorized to live and work in the U.S., or an individual that is DACA eligible and DACA applied/approved
  • Be an involved community member with strong potential for success in the college setting
  • Be able to articulate a plan for their education and career goals

Applications and essays are due April 15.

Czech Heritage Foundation Scholarship
Established in 1998, the Czech Heritage Foundation has given out over 85 scholarships. CHF understands the importance and high costs of education for youth, and therefore created a program to assist students in paying for higher education who have Czech/Slovak ancestry. Scholarships are traditionally awarded during the CHF's annual August picnic.

The award is available to applicants who have completed a minimum of one year as a full-time, post-secondary student; have accumulated at least 24 secondary credits after high school graduation; or are a graduate student. Upon receiving a scholarship, recipients are expected to participate in a function sponsored by the CHF.

View a full list of requirements for the scholarship.

Fill out the Scholarship Application by June 1.

 

Tama Soil and Water Conservation District Scholarship

The mission of the Tama Soil and Water Conservation District is to provide to all citizens technical, financial and educational services for the conservation and wise use of all natural resources within Tama County. To apply for this scholarship, students must:

  • Plan to be enrolled in a two- or four-year college during the 2025 - '26 academic year
  • Pursue a program of study in any field of conservation or agriculture
  • Have a permanent address located within Tama County or be a Tama County native

Applications are due June 27, at 4:30 p.m.


External scholarship recipients receive offers and are selected by agencies or committees outside of Kirkwood, and Kirkwood is not responsible for establishing criteria or participating in the selection or notification of recipients.

Any links to external websites concerning external scholarship opportunities are being provided for informational purposes only. Please kindly keep in mind that Kirkwood bears no responsibility for the accuracy, legality, or content of any external website or for that of subsequent links. Kirkwood reserves the right to post or remove scholarships at any time. Inclusion in the listing does not constitute an endorsement by Kirkwood.