Bright Scholars of Iowa Award

H. DALE AND LOIS BRIGHT FOUNDATION
THE UNIVERSITY OF IOWA

Students who will graduate from an Iowa high school in the spring of 2025 and who will enroll at The University of Iowa in the fall of 2025 may apply for the Bright Scholars of Iowa Award. The amount of the scholarship is equal to the cost of attendance less all other gift aid (including Pell Grants, institutional grants and scholarships, and private scholarships). The Bright Foundation also provides additional communication and experiences for recipients, such as peer connections and networking, to enhance the college experience and help scholars reach their goals. The award is renewable for up to three additional years, for a total of four years or 8 semesters of scholarship, provided the student maintains a 2.50 cumulative GPA and is enrolled full-time.

To apply for this scholarship, you must:

  • Have a 299 Regent Admission Index score or higher OR have an ACT composite of 28 or above OR have a GPA of 3.7 or higher;

  • Demonstrate a commitment to learning and community service, as well as having achieved success in the face of adversity;

  • File the 2025-26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid and demonstrate an SAI below 10,000

  • Preference is given to students who will be a first generation college student (parents did not graduate from a four year college or university).

    Five UI students will be selected to receive the Bright Scholars of Iowa Award for 2025-26. Renewal is possible for up to an additional three years provided the student maintains at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA and full-time enrollment at The University of Iowa for fall and spring semesters.

    At the end of the academic year, Bright Scholarship recipients are expected to submit a summary of that year’s college experience to the Bright Foundation.

    DEADLINE: MARCH 3, 2025

    Application process:

  • Complete and submit the application on the Iowa Scholarship Portal.
  • All application materials, including the FAFSA, must be submitted by March 3, 2025.
  • Selected students will be notified in mid-May.

    • Award
    Varies
    Scopes
    Office of Student Financial Aid
    Deadline
    03/03/2025
    Supplemental Questions
    1. Your 2024-25 FAFSA and the following completed application must be received by MARCH 1, 2024:

      Please provide your daytime/preferred telephone number:
    2. What is your intended career? If unsure, please indicate "Not sure".
    3. Please read and answer:
      • My father has not graduated from an accredited four-year college or university.
      • My mother has not graduated from an accredited four-year college or university.
    4. High School Sponsored Activities (Clubs, Drama, Music, Sports, etc.): Describe any high school sponsored activities participated in. You may list up to five..
      • 1. Name of Activity:
      • 2. Please select the year(s) you participated in this activity (check all that apply):
      • 3. Describe the activity (note participation level and leadership roles, if any):
    5. Honors/Awards/Achievements: You may list up to five.
      • 1. Name of Honor, Award or Achievement:
      • 2. Please select the year(s) received (check all that apply):
      • 3. Describe the Honor, Award, or Achievement:
    6. Non-School Activities (4-H, Dance, Scouts, Political or Religious Youth Groups, Symphony, etc.): Describe any non-school activities you participated in. You may list up to five.
      • 1. Name of Activity:
      • 2. Please select the year(s) you participated in this activity (check all that apply):
      • 3. Describe the activity (note any leadership roles, if any):
    7. Community Service/Leadership/Volunteer: Describe any community service, leadership or volunteer roles participated in. You may list up to five.
      • 1. Name of Activity:
      • 2. Please select the year(s) you participated in this activity(check all that apply):
      • 3. Describe the activity (note leadership roles, if any):
    8. Employment: Provide your employment history. You may list up to five jobs.
      • 1. Job Title:
      • 2. Please select the year(s) you were employed in this job (check all that apply):
      • 3. Describe the job (note average hours worked per week):
    9. Other: Use this space to describe other activities that do not fit in the other categories listed above. You may list up to five.
      • 1. Name of Activity:
      • 2. Please select the year(s) you participated in this activity (check all that apply):
      • 3. Describe the activity (note leadership roles, if any):
    10. How have your community service or volunteer experiences impacted you?
    11. Share what you consider to have been the greatest adversity in your life and how you have persevered or succeeded in spite of it.
    12. By signing below, I certify that all information contained in this application is true and correct to the best of my knowledge. Further, I understand that consideration for scholarships may be denied or revoked if any information is found to be incomplete or inaccurate. My signature acknowledges that the University of Iowa will include my academic record with my scholarship application and to release pertinent information to the scholarship selection committees. My signature below expressly authorizes the University of Iowa to share my name and email address with University of Iowa Center for Advancement for publications and thanking donors who made the award possible.
      • 1. Signature (Type Full Name):
      • 2. Today's Date
    13. Show 7 more