Program
Overview: A college readiness program for Davenport high school seniors and their families, offering lessons in leadership, thinking, perspective, awareness, reflection, and listening. The program also provides assistance with college and scholarship applications for any college, not just the University of Iowa. It begins in September.
Eligibility: Free for all Davenport high school seniors who want to pursue higher education.
Participation: Attend outreach events with University of Iowa and John Deere leadership. Most events occur during the school day at Davenport high schools. Transportation is provided for events in Iowa City or outside high school campuses.
Schedule: The program runs one day a week in each Davenport public high school. Times will be announced after registration. Transportation is provided for events outside the school. For more information, contact program director Katie Licht at [email protected].
Weekly High School Schedule
The John Deere High School program will take place one day a week in each Davenport public high school. Times will be announced to students following their registration. There will be events outside of the school. Transportation will be provided and additional information will be communicated.
| Monday: Counseling Office |
| Tuesday: Counseling Office |
| Wednesday: Counseling Office |
| Thursday: Room 403 |
Check with Mrs. Licht ([email protected]) for schedule changes.
John Deere Scholar Events
Welcome Week: Welcome events will take place in September at each school. These will be by invitation only based on the completed registration form. Students will be introduced to the program, meet the leaders, and learn about the exciting opportunities ahead of them throughout the year.
Volunteering and Community Engagement: Throughout the year, students participate in volunteer opportunities coordinated with United Way, developing leadership, teamwork, and communication skills while giving back to their community.
UI Campus Visits: Scholars and their families will have the opportunity to travel to Iowa City to experience the University of Iowa during a select week in October. Students will experience the campus, dorm life, and meet members of the faculty.
Academic Exploration Day: Each November, the University of Iowa team comes to the Quad Cities to help students explore the university's colleges, majors, and career opportunities. The visit also includes information about admissions, financial aid, and campus resources designed to support students through their college journey.
Career Connections Day: In March, students engage with industry professionals to explore careers while building networking, communication, and professional skills. This event is hosted by John Deere at their world headquarters in Moline, Illinois.
Celebration Events: We will celebrate with all participants of the John Deere Scholars High School program in each school at the end of the year. Newly announced John Deere Scholars will also be celebrated with a banquet celebrating their accomplishments and to receive their cords for high school graduation. They will also be officially welcomed as Hawkeyes as we prepare for their first year in Iowa City.
Images from High School Program Events
Program Director
Mrs. Licht is a 13-year veteran of the Davenport Community Schools, formerly the head counselor at Davenport North High School. Mrs. Licht oversees all high school education and events for the John Deere Scholars program.
2025-26 Program Impact
In 2025-26, the John Deere Scholars High School Program helped Davenport Community School District seniors take meaningful steps toward college and careers with greater confidence and a clear plan for life after graduation.
Through personalized advising, college application support, career exploration, campus experiences, and scholarship opportunities, the program connected students with resources and relationships designed to expand access to higher education and future career pathways.
The program’s impact extended well beyond participating students. More than 747 students, family members, school and University of Iowa staff, and John Deere employees engaged in the initiative, contributing to 2,676 documented contacts through meetings, events, and activities. Strong collaboration among schools, families, the University of Iowa, and John Deere helped the program exceed major performance goals, strengthen college readiness, and create a foundation for even greater impact through earlier engagement with students.
Student Outcomes
222
217
199
Exceeding original goal of 60