Scholarship and Awards

The President's Leadership Initiative Awards are awarded on the basis of demonstrated leadership (see individual award descriptions for additional guidelines). Each PLI award is $2,000, divided between two semesters.

This award recognizes a female student who is an outstanding undergraduate leader at Iowa State University. The recipient must be a senior the following academic year and have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.50 at the time of application. The amount of this award is $10,000, divided between two semesters.

This award annually recognizes a student who has taken advantage of opportunities at Iowa State University to apply his or her knowledge to real life projects and experiences. The successful applicant will show how he or she has used initiative to develop a significant, unique project with demonstrable results. The recipient must be a junior or senior as of the following fall semester. The amount of this award is $3,000, divided between two semesters.

The Iowa State University Alumni Association established this award in 1968 to recognize outstanding seniors who display high character, outstanding achievement in academics and university/community activities, and promise for continuing these exemplary qualities as alumni. Awardees receive the official Iowa State University Ring from the ISU Alumni Association. Two to five awards are granted annually.

Senior Leadership Recognition Award, sponsored by the Senior Class Council (SCC) and the ISU Alumni Association, honors up to ten graduating senior student leaders who have dedicated their energy and talents to improving campus life at Iowa State University, have participated in a variety of on-and-off campus experiences, and have demonstrated growth and learning in leadership and community service.

Applicants will be judged on their character, outstanding achievement in academics, dedication to the university and city of Ames, and two short essay questions. The King and Queen will be announced before the Iowa State Homecoming game. Applicants must have an ISU cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher and a minimum of 90 Iowa State credits. Applicants will be judged on their character, outstanding achievement in academics, dedication to the university and city of Ames, and two short essay questions. A $500 scholarship is also awarded to the king and queen.

Awarded to an adviser in a student organization who: • Has had a positive impact on a student organization and the University community. • Demonstrates strong advising skills, is readily available to students, and takes great strides to help the organization's leaders.

Awarded to an individual in a student organization who has: • Inspired others. • Made him/herself available to group members, and brought out strengths and talents of individual group members. • Demonstrated initiative by seeking ways to challenge the present and enrich the future. • Made a meaningful contribution to student, University and surrounding communities through responsible leadership.

Awarded to a student organization that has: • Provided information or activities about diversity or multicultural issues (race/ethnicity, class, sexual orientation, religion, age, gender, ability, cultural identity, etc.). • Demonstrated consistent flexibility, initiative, creativity and perseverance. • Made a meaningful contribution to students, University or surrounding communities. • Worked in collaboration with other organizations to enhance organization's goals. • Exemplified integrity in all areas of the organization.

Awarded to a student organization that has: • Demonstrated outstanding service to the Iowa State University and Ames communities. • Promoted the public good, not for financial gain. • Demonstrated innovation, creativity, or a new kind of engagement. • Created valuable learning experience for students.

Recognizes: Student organizations for conceiving, planning, and implementing an outstanding event for the ISU community. Implementing an event that fulfilled the mission of the organization(s).

The Volunteer Center of Story County and Iowa State University Student Activities Center host the annual Story County Youth Volunteer Awards. Public recognition says “Thank You!” to those who have contributed in important ways to the community. It shows young people we appreciate them and encourage them to take leadership roles in Iowa in the future. Also, praise inspires imitation. Friends join with friends to volunteer, and many people can be affected by the example of one individual.

Initiated in 2007 by the Catt Associates student leadership organization, the Women Impacting ISU calendar was developed as a tribute to current students, faculty and staff who distinguished themselves through their accomplishments at Iowa State University. Each year, 12 women from a wide variety of disciplines and diverse backgrounds are selected to appear on the calendar. A committee compromised of representatives of the Catt Associates, Catt Center staff and previous calendar honorees select the recipients. The poster size calendar features pictures of the honorees along with a short description of their achievements. This recognition is focused on the important role women play at Iowa State University. Contributions made in the classroom, through campus involvement, through community relationships, and among students and professionals at the institution are considered.

The selection committee will choose recipients based on community service performed in the City of Ames, or Story County, Iowa area while enrolled at ISU. Applicants must submit an essay describing the community service they have performed and how this service has influenced their life, as well as the affect on those individuals or parties they have served. One letter of reference is required, specifically attesting to the student's community service activities.

Visit http://www.financialaid.iastate.edu/scholarships/ for more scholarship opportunities.