DEVELOPING DAVENPORT’S YOUTH TO SOLVE HUMANITY'S BIGGEST CHALLENGES.
High School Program
The High School Program is a college preparation program for any Davenport Community School senior on track to attend college.
Scholarships
Twenty scholarships will be awarded each year (2025, 2026, and 2027) to high school students. John Deere Scholarships will cover the cost of tuition, fees, room, and board for up to four years at the University of Iowa. Scholarships are open to all majors (preferred STEMM focus).
College Program
Four years of academic support and coaching, including a mentor from John Deere. The college program will assist with job placement and cover ancillary costs if needed (i.e. computer, emergency funds, etc.).
Meeting a common need:
John Deere, the University of Iowa, and the Davenport Community School District have a common challenge: developing Iowa’s youth to become the top talent, leading the next generation to solve humanity's biggest challenges. The University of Iowa and John Deere believe a structured system of high school through college can prepare the next generation of leaders from our youth in Davenport. Our collective efforts can allow these students to impact our global society and economy.
The John Deere Scholars Program is a need-based pipeline program preparing Davenport Community high school students for the University of Iowa, providing access through scholarships for 20 qualifying seniors a year (60 in total throughout the relationship). Scholarships will cover the cost of tuition, fees, room, and board for four years for students who remain eligible each year.
FAQs
What does the High School program provide?
- The program will be finalized by the UI Program Director and the Davenport Community School District. Initial program goals include:
- Education of skill sets for success in college such as time management and considering other perspectives.
- Assistance and education of the college admissions and application process.
- Assistance with FASFA application.
- A high school visit day at the University of Iowa.
- UI speakers in Davenport providing information and options to students on fields of study.
Who is the High School preparation program open to?
- The high school program is free and open to any Davenport Community School District student in their senior year who is interested in attending any college after they graduate.
- The program will also have elements for families of Davenport Community School District students participating in the program.
Does it cost the student or the family to be a part of the High School program?
- No
How many scholarships will be awarded per year?
- Twenty, four-year scholarships will be awarded per year for three years, for a total of 60 scholarships.
- The first 20 were awarded in spring 2025 for students starting at the University of Iowa in fall 2025.
- The second cohort of 20 will begin at UI in fall 2026 and the third in fall 2027.
What does the scholarship cover?
- Each scholarship will cover tuition, fees, room, and board for four years for qualifying students.
- Emergency funds are also available if needed by students during their time at Iowa.
What are the qualifications for the scholarship?
- To be eligible for the John Deere Scholarship, students must demonstrate financial need and:
- Apply and be admitted to the University of Iowa
- Apply for FAFSA
- Participate in the Davenport John Deere Scholars high school program throughout the year
- Complete the John Deere Scholars scholarship application (essay and interview)
- Provide two letters of recommendation
Will all the John Deere Scholars in the High School Program receive scholarships?
- No. Twenty Davenport Community High School seniors each year will be selected to receive the scholarships to the University of Iowa.
Could the scholarships be applied to another university?
- No. The 20 John Deere Scholars scholarships will only apply to attending the University of Iowa.
What are the criteria for maintaining the UI scholarships during the four years?
- Meet with academic advisor once per semester.
- Attend two mandatory programs through the John Deere Scholar programs per semester.
- Maintain a minimum UI cumulative GPA of 2.50 or higher.
- Students will be assessed at the end of each academic year to ensure they are meeting the above qualifications.
How will the scholarships be awarded?
- The UI will form an evaluation committee to review all applications and select students.
How much does the Davenport Community School District have to pay to be part of this program?
- There is no financial commitment required for the Davenport Community School District as a partner in this program.
- The Davenport Community Schools will provide access and space for the UI program director to meet with students in each of the high schools.
What will supporting John Deere Scholar students look like while studying at the University of Iowa?
- Mentorship through the Office of the Provost and individual collegiate programs related to fields of study.
- UI Emergency Funds if needed.
- UI Work Study program access
- Food and clothing assistance if needed.
What if a student doesn’t complete their degree in four years?
- The John Deere Scholars program is scheduled for students to complete their degree in four years.
What will be the makeup of the evaluation committee?
- The makeup of the evaluation committee will be comprised of members of the University of Iowa offices of Admissions, Financial Aid, Provost, and a Davenport Community School District representative.
Is any of the $6.6 million gift going toward administrative costs of the program?
- Yes. The gift will cover the salary of the new Davenport-based University of Iowa program director and administrative costs.
John Deere Scholars Team
Liz Tovar
Katie Licht
