Goal of Scholarship
The John Deere Foundation, University of Iowa, and Davenport Community Schools are united in their efforts to empower Davenport youth to be the next generation of leaders. This scholarship is designed to help eliminate financial barriers from the path to success for students who demonstrate financial need. Each of the 20 scholarships covers the annual cost for tuition, fees, room, and board at the University of Iowa for four years, contingent on students remaining eligible each year.
Requirements
- Apply and be admitted to the University of Iowa (You must be admitted to the University of Iowa and selected through the scholarship competition in order to receive the scholarship).
- Apply for FAFSA by December 1.
- Participate in the Davenport John Deere Scholars high school program throughout the year.
Complete the John Deere Scholars scholarship application on the University of Iowa Scholarship Portal.
- Demonstrate financial need in the application.
- Submit an essay through the application (see details below).
- Provide email addresses for two (2) recommenders to upload letters of recommendation.
- Participate in an interview with the selection panel.
Note: A STEMM area of study focus is preferred, but not required.
Timeline
The first 20 winners of the John Deere Scholarship were announced in March 2025.
Applications for 2026 scholarships will open November 3, 2025, and are due by December 15, 2025. A panel consisting of University of Iowa staff will evaluate all applications starting in January and select the 20 most qualified applicants to receive the John Deere Scholars scholarships. Winners will be announced in February and celebrated in May.
Step 1. Apply to the University of Iowa
Step 2. Apply for FAFSA
Step 3. Participate in the High School Program
Step 4. Apply for scholarship
Essay Requirements
Overcoming Adversity and Creating Impact: Your Journey to Higher Education
In a 500 to 700-word essay, reflect on your personal journey and aspirations for the future. Your essay should address the following key areas:
1. Describe a significant challenge or obstacle you have faced in your life.
How did you confront this adversity, and what did you learn from the experience? Explain how overcoming this challenge has shaped your character and prepared you for the rigors of college life.
2. Describe your experience in the John Deere High School program.
What were the most valuable lessons or skills you acquired? Explain how you plan to apply the knowledge and skills gained from the John Deere High School program in your future academic and professional endeavors. Provide specific examples of how these learning outcomes will contribute to your success in college and beyond.
3. Why you should be chosen as a John Deere scholarship recipient?
Highlight your unique qualities, achievements, and experiences that make you an ideal candidate for this scholarship. Discuss your academic accomplishments, extracurricular activities, leadership roles, or any other relevant experiences that demonstrate your potential for success in higher education. What sets you apart from other applicants?
In your essay, weave these elements together to create a compelling narrative that showcases your resilience, potential, and commitment to creating positive change. Be specific, use concrete examples, and let your unique voice shine through.
Remember to:
• Stay within the 500 to 700-word limit.
• Proofread carefully for grammar, spelling, punctuation and clarity.
• Be honest and authentic in your writing.
• Use specific examples and personal anecdotes to support your statements.
• Address all parts of the prompt thoroughly.
Your essay will be evaluated based on content, clarity of expression, and your ability to effectively communicate your experiences and aspirations. Be authentic, reflective, and forward-thinking in your response. Remember, the University of Iowa is known as the writing university, where art meets science and we value collaboration over competition in a college town like no other.
Please upload a .pdf file of your essay addressing the points above in the application in the application process.
Letters of Recommendation
Please ask two individuals to be your references. They will each need to write a letter of recommendation for you. This letter of recommendation should be written by someone who has known you for at least a year and isn't related to you. Examples of people to ask could be teachers, counselors, coaches, previous/current employers, mentors, etc.
After you enter their email addresses in the scholarship application your two recommenders will instructions and a prompt to upload their letters to the scholarship portal.