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.
Due to the re-formating of FAFSA applications, this 2024/25 school year will open up closer toward December 2023/January 2024. More details to come!
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 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 Bryan Cameron Impact Scholarship is for seniors with a 3.7 or higher unweighted GPA. Applicants must show proven excellence in extracurricular activities, be motivated leaders with a strong work ethic, and demonstrate active participation in community service and/or civic minded arenas. Scholars receive a full tuition award, fees, and books to a college or university of choice. Application deadline is 2:00 p.m. on September 8th. 75-100 applicants to receive face-to-face interviews; 15-20 students to receive the scholarship.
The Gates Scholarship (TGS) is a highly selective, last-dollar scholarship for outstanding, minority, high school seniors from low-income households with an unweighted GPA of 3.3 or above. Scholars receive the cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room, board, books, and transportation, and some personal costs not covered by other financial aid. Deadline is September 15th. 300 applicants will be selected for the scholarship.
BESONG FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
Graduating from Cedar Rapids Washington High School
Planning to attend a fully accredited nonprofit or public college or university
AWARD AMOUNT: $500
CRITERIA FOR SCHOLARSHIP SELECTION:
Academic achievement (GPA over 3.0)
Preference given to minority applicants
Preference given to student athletes
COLLEGE OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIP
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
Graduating from a Linn County high school
Planning to attend a fully accredited nonprofit or public college or university
AWARD AMOUNT: $500
CRITERIA FOR SCHOLARSHIP SELECTION:
Financial need
Demonstrated career goals
Participating in extracurricular activities
DEBOOM MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
A graduating senior at Cedar Rapids Washington High School who is eligible for and receiving special education services for learning disabilities.
The applicant must plan to attend a fully accredited nonprofit or public college or university
AWARD AMOUNT: $400
CRITERIA FOR SCHOLARSHIP SELECTION:
Financial need
High moral character
GLIDDEN COMMUNITY SERVICE SCHOLARSHIP
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
Graduating from a Linn County high school
Planning to attend a fully accredited nonprofit or public college, university, vocational, or technical school
AWARD AMOUNT: $1,000
CRITERIA FOR SCHOLARSHIP SELECTION:
Community involvement
Demonstrated respect and consideration for others
KALOUS OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIP
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
Graduating from a Linn County high school
Planning to attend a fully accredited nonprofit or public college or university
AWARD AMOUNT: $1,000; renewable for three additional years
CRITERIA FOR SCHOLARSHIP SELECTION:
Financial need
Demonstrated strong ethics and high moral character
PREFERRED BUT NOT REQUIRED:
Planning to pursue study in Government, Political Science, Engineering, or Music
Planning to attend a college or university in the state of Iowa
KLEIMAN FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP NOMINATION
This application is to be considered as a nominee for Washington High School. Winners are chosen from nominees submitted by all the high schools listed.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
Graduating from Jefferson, Kennedy, Linn-Mar, Marion, Prairie, Washington, Xavier
Planning to attend Iowa State University, the University of Iowa, or the University of Northern Iowa
AWARD AMOUNT: $5,000, renewable for three additional years based on academic performance
CRITERIA FOR SCHOLARSHIP SELECTION:
First: leadership and good character
Second: academic achievement
Third: financial need
MERVEAUX ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
Graduating from a Linn County high school
Planning to attend a fully accredited nonprofit or public college, university, vocational, or technical school
AWARD AMOUNT: $500
CRITERIA FOR SCHOLARSHIP SELECTION:
Academic achievement (GPA & class rank along with depth & variety of classes completed)
OUTSTANDING STUDENT LEADER SCHOLARSHIP
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
Graduating from a Linn County high school
Planning to attend a fully accredited nonprofit or public college or university
AWARD AMOUNT: $500
CRITERIA FOR SCHOLARSHIP SELECTION:
Exemplary leadership skills both in and outside the school environment
Academic achievement: top 1/3 of graduating class with GPA of 3.0 or above
Demonstration of outstanding character, judgement, dependability, and teamwork
RALPH PLAGMAN SCHOLARSHIP
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
Graduating from Cedar Rapids Washington High School
Planning to attend a fully accredited nonprofit or public four-year college or university
AWARD AMOUNT: $500
CRITERIA FOR SCHOLARSHIP SELECTION:
Academic achievement (GPA over 3.2)
Active in community service
High moral character
Financial need (eligible for free/reduced price lunch or other circumstances)
REEDER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
Graduating from Jefferson, Kennedy, Metro, or Washington
Planning to attend a fully accredited nonprofit or public college, university, vocational, or technical school
AWARD AMOUNT: $1,000, renewable for one additional year
CRITERIA FOR SCHOLARSHIP SELECTION:
Financial need
Demonstrated strong ethics and high moral character
WASHINGTON ALUMNI SCHOLARSHIP
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
Graduating from Cedar Rapids Washington High School
Planning to attend a fully accredited nonprofit public or private college or university, vocational, trade, or technical post-secondary school as a full-time student.
AWARD AMOUNT: $1,000
CRITERIA FOR SCHOLARSHIP SELECTION:
Financial need
Minimum 2.5 cumulative grade point average
Preference given to students who participate in volunteer service activities
Preference given to students who demonstrate high moral character
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
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.