Scholarships

CONTINUING YOUR EDUCATION?

2013 Scholarship Opportunity for Graduating High School Seniors!

Postmark deadline to submit:  April 1, 2013

ABOUT THE SCHOLARSHIP GRANT APPLICATION

Annually the South Des Moines Chamber of Commerce awards a grant in the amount of $1,000 to two students from the South Side of Des Moines.  To apply, applicants must meet the minimum standards listed below.  Grants will be awarded to South Side Des Moines residents who attend school and work or volunteer on the South Side.  Applications are competitive and awarded based on the following criteria:  essay, community-based activities, employment and leadership, school-based activities, attendance, academics, letter of reference and professional presentation. 

MINIMUM STANDARDS TO APPLY

1. You must be a resident of the South Side, work or volunteer in a South Side business or organization.  
2. You must be graduating in the year 2013.
3. You must have a grade point average of 2.5 or better (on a 4.0 scale).
4. You must plan to attend a two- or four-year college or university or an accredited trade school.
5. You must submit a completed application no later than the published deadline of April 1, 2013 (postmark date or submit to the guidance counselor by that date). 

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS to submit:

Cover Sheet that includes your complete name, mailing address, home phone or cell phone number, email address, and your parent’s name.  

Essay:  Write a 500 - 700 word essay on the following:

Please describe your South Side experience as a resident, student and worker and tell us about any contributions you have made to your Southside community.  How has this experience prepared you for college?  What are your post-college plans?  

Resume:  Submit a resume that lists the following: work experience, positions of responsibility at work

and school, school-based and community-based volunteer activities, including any positions of leadership you have held in these organizations and any honors or awards you have received.

One letter of recommendation: submit one letter of recommendation from an employer or volunteer coordinator who has supervised your work, OR one from someone in the community (non-family).  The author must identify their relationship to you.

Transcript:  Attach a copy of your high school transcript that includes your school attendance record. (Please note that attendance counts more than grades!)

Postmark deadline to submit:  April 1, 2013
(Complete applications must be postmarked or in the guidance counselor’s office by that date).  

To submit:  MAIL to the South Des Moines Chamber of Commerce,
Attn: Education Committee, 301 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA, 50309.  

2011 Scholarship Winners
Taylor Vollstedt
Allison Babberl

2010 Scholarship Winners
Anna Bellegante
Karisa Tuazon