Scholarships Available to Students in Non-Metro Areas
Merveaux Academic Excellence Scholarship
Purpose: Established in 2003 by Mrs. Merveaux to assist graduating Linn County high school seniors in their future education.
Amount: $500
Criteria:
- Academic achievement (GPA and class rank along with depth and variety of classes completed)
Glidden Community Service Scholarship
Purpose: Established in 2003 to commemorate Mr. and Mrs. Glidden’s interest in young people, their belief that education is a key component of responsible citizenship, and their desire to provide opportunities for students of all social and economic groups.
Amount: $1,000
Criteria:
- Community involvement
- Demonstrated respect and consideration for others
Outstanding Student Leader Scholarship
Purpose: Established in 2008 to carry forward the spirit of the annual Outstanding Student Leader and Special Teacher Recognition.
Amount: $500
Criteria:
- Exemplary leadership skills both in and outside the school environment
- Academic achievement: top 1/3 of graduating class with a GPA of 3.0 or above
- Demonstration of outstanding character and judgment, dependability, and teamwork
The Kathleen M. McNamara Future Educators Scholarship
Purpose: Established in 2022 by the estate of Kathleen McNamara.
Amount: $1,000
Eligibility Requirements:
- The applicant must be a graduating senior in Linn County, Iowa.
- The applicant must plan to attend a fully accredited nonprofit or public college or university as a full- time student.
- The applicant must plan to pursue a major in education with a focus on music, art, physical education, or elementary education.
Criteria:
- Preference is given to students who are active participants in music or performing arts
- Financial need (student/family financial status)
Gems of Hope Cancer Scholarship
Purpose: Established at the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation in 2023 by Gems of Hope. Gems of Hope was established as a nonprofit to support cancer patients and their families in 2005 and began awarding scholarships to students affected by cancer in 2014.
Amount: $4,000
Eligibility Requirements:
- The applicant must be a graduating senior at a Linn County High School in Linn County, Iowa.
- The applicant must plan to attend a fully accredited nonprofit, public vocational trade or technical post-secondary school, or public college or university as a full-time student.
- The applicant must have been personally affected by cancer through a personal diagnosis or the diagnosis of an immediate parent, guardian, or sibling.
Criteria:
- Financial need
- Preference given to students who demonstrate financial need directly related to the impact of a cancer diagnosis.
College Opportunity Scholarship
Amount: $500
Criteria:
- Financial need – The one-page Statement of Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) from your completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required
- Demonstrated career goals
Kalous Opportunity Scholarship
Purpose: Established in 2013 by Mrs. Kalous to assist graduating Linn County high school seniors in their future education.
Amount: $1,000; renewable for three additional years
Criteria:
- Financial need – The one-page Statement of Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) from your completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required
- Demonstrated strong ethics and high moral character
Preferred:
- Planning to pursue study in Government, Political Science, Engineering, or Music
- Planning to attend a college or university in the state of Iowa
Komensky Society Scholarship
For Linn County students of Czech or Slovak heritage.
Eligibility requirement:
- Czech or Slovak heritage
Amount: $1,000
Criteria:
- Demonstrated the importance of Czech or Slovak heritage in student’s life
- Financial need – The one-page Statement of Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) from your completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required
- Academic achievement
- Good character
Apply Online:
If you attend any other high school in Linn County, apply directly to the Community Foundation for any of the scholarships above.