Bright Scholars of Iowa
Scholarship Sponsored by H. Dale and Lois Bright Foundation
Introduction
The H. Dale and Lois Bright Foundation funds the Bright Scholars of Iowa award for incoming freshmen who will graduate from an Iowa high school and who demonstrate financial need. Applicants who are first-generation (whose parents have not earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university) receive priority consideration.
Award amount
The scholarship covers the student’s cost of attendance after subtracting all other gift aid. “Other gift aid” includes Pell Grants, institutional grants and scholarships, and private scholarships. Cost of attendance is defined as tuition and fees, room and board, books, transportation, and personal expenses.
Eligibility
- Current high school senior enrolled in an Iowa high school
- Strong academic record (299 or higher on the RAI — Regents Admission Index — or an ACT score of at least 28, or a cumulative GPA of 3.7 or higher)
- Demonstrated commitment to learning and community service, and evidence of overcoming adversity
- Financial need as determined by a filed FAFSA
- Preference given to applicants who are children of parents without a four‑year college degree (first-generation students)
- Must enroll and remain full-time (minimum 12 credit hours per semester)
Renewal
The award may be renewed for up to three additional years (for a total of four years) provided the recipient remains enrolled full-time without interruption and maintains a cumulative GPA of at least 2.50.
How to apply
- Submit the UNI Scholarship Application by January 15. As part of the application, upload an essay (no more than two typewritten pages) describing how you have succeeded despite adversity, and include a summary of your high school and community service activities with any leadership roles.
- File the FAFSA by January 15 so financial need can be assessed.
Bright Foundation expectations and opportunities
The Bright Foundation provides the scholarship funds and asks recipients to report to the Foundation each semester about academic progress and college experiences. Scholars are also expected to meet with Bright Foundation staff during their first year. The Foundation offers optional supports and enrichment such as peer networking, additional staff assistance, and other opportunities intended to help scholars graduate on time, minimize debt, and prepare for careers and service. Although many enhancement activities are optional, recipients are expected to attend the Bright Scholar Reception on campus each fall and the statewide Bright Symposium each spring. Further details will be provided to selected scholars; information on previous events is available on the Bright Foundation website.