Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Governor Culver Announces Launch Of "All Iowa Opportunity Scholarship"
(Des Moines) Today, Governor Chet Culver announced the launch of the “All Iowa Opportunity Scholarship.” Working with the legislature last session, the Governor signed into law a budget providing $1.5 million for the creation of the “All Iowa Opportunity Scholarship” to increase need-based access to higher education.
“Expanding access to higher education is one of my top priorities as Governor,” said Governor Culver. “Iowa currently ranks near the bottom when it comes to needs-based access to higher education, and this a distinction I find unacceptable. I was proud of the fact we were able to work with the legislature to pass the new ‘All Iowa Opportunity Scholarship’ last session, and I encourage students in need of financial assistance who meet the scholarship criteria to apply by October 1st. Our state’s economy is growing and there are incredible jobs waiting for graduates with the necessary education and training, which is why we must be focused on expanding access to higher education.”
Of the $1.5 million budgeted for the Scholarship, $500,000 will be directed towards Iowa foster children. The deadline for applying for the “All Iowa Opportunity Scholarship” is October 1, 2007.
Eligibility requirements for the Scholarship include:
- Begin initial enrollment at an eligible college or university within two academic years of graduating from high school;
- Graduate from high school with at least a 2.5 cumulative grade point average on a 4.0 grade scale or its equivalent;
- Be an Iowa resident;
- Be enrolled in at least 3 semester hours in college;
- If already enrolled in college, be making satisfactory academic progress as defined by the college or university;
- Complete and submit an application; and
- File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
Download the application, or for more information on the “All Iowa Opportunity Scholarship”.