Scholarship process now open. Apply today!

The Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa is excited to announce the opening of its 2025 scholarship application process, offering students the opportunity to receive a share of over $700,000 in scholarships. The deadline to apply is 8 p.m. on March 12.

The CFNEIA scholarship program supports high school, college, and adult students in pursuing higher education. In 2024, CFNEIA awarded 253 scholarships, averaging over $3,000 per recipient. Scholarship notifications for 2025 will be sent in June, with selections finalized in May.

Students interested in applying should visit www.cfneia.org/scholarships to view the eligibility checklist and access the application. The common application requires the following:

Some scholarships may require additional materials, which will be outlined in the application. All required materials must be submitted through CFNEIA’s online system by the March 12 deadline.

CFNEIA scholarships cater to a variety of students, with awards based on factors such as financial need, academic performance, field of study, and community involvement.

For more information about scholarship opportunities, contact Staci Mueller, Director of Scholarship Impact, at 319-243-1359 or smueller@cfneia.org.

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CFNEIA Awards more than $800,000 in Scholarships, Largest Amount in its History

Students pursuing higher education opportunities across Iowa have received financial assistance this fall thanks to scholarships from the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa (CFNEIA). The 2024 scholarships total more than $800,000, marking the largest total scholarship award amount in CFNEIA’s 68-year history. This year, CFNEIA awarded 253 scholarships, with an average award amount of $3,164.

“This milestone represents the incredible achievements of our scholarship recipients and the generosity of our fundholders,” said Staci Mueller, CFNEIA’s Director of Scholarship Impact. “We are proud to support these students as they pursue their education and work toward building brighter futures for themselves and their communities.”

Scholarships are increasingly important for students seeking higher education. According to a 2024 survey conducted by Ellucian, 59% of students considered dropping out due to financial stress.

“Higher education costs continue to pose significant barriers for many students,” Mueller added. “That’s why CFNEIA remains committed to providing support, particularly for those with financial need. These scholarships are a testament to the power of education and the generosity of our community.”

CFNEIA scholarships are offered annually for high school seniors, college students, and adults. Awards are based on various criteria, including academic excellence, financial need, pursuit of certain careers or majors, past experiences, and location or high school attended. The 2025 scholarship process will begin on January 10. CFNEIA is the largest independent scholarship provider in Iowa outside of colleges and universities.

For more information on CFNEIA’s scholarship program, visit www.cfneia.org/scholarships. Questions may be directed to Staci Mueller at her email or (319) 243-1359.

CFNEIA Awards $635,781 in Scholarships, Largest Amount in its History

Students pursuing higher education opportunities across Iowa have received financial assistance this fall thanks to scholarships from the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa (CFNEIA). The 2022 scholarships total comes to $635,781 which is the largest total scholarship award amount in CFNEIA’s 66-year history. This year, CFNEIA awarded 277 scholarships with an average award amount of $2,295.

“Congratulations to these students on their accomplishments and all the best as they continue their educational journey to follow their dreams and path for a successful future,” said Amy Wiles, CFNEIA scholarship and grant manager.

Scholarships are increasingly important for students seeking higher education. According to a 2021 National Student Clearinghouse survey, nearly 42% of adults aged 20-34 dropped out of college due to financial reasons.

“We know the cost of higher education continues to be a barrier, making scholarships a critical support for many students’ continued success,” said Wiles. “CFNEIA is committed to continuing to increase this scholarship support for students with a particular emphasis on financial need, and we know our work would not be possible without the generous fundholders who are passionate about education and our next generation of leaders.”

CFNEIA scholarships are offered annually for high school seniors and college students, as well as adults, and are awarded based on various criteria, including, but not limited to, academic excellence, financial need, pursuit of certain careers or majors, past experiences and location or high school attended. The 2023 scholarship process will begin on January 10. CFNEIA is the largest independent scholarship provider in Iowa outside of colleges and universities.

For more information on CFNEIA’s scholarship program, visit www.cfneia.org/scholarships. Questions may be directed to Amy Wiles at awiles@cfneia.org or (319) 243-1359.

Life of Learning and Service Honored Through New Scholarship Fund

Ellen Bengtson excelled at life. At the young age of 28 years old, she had achieved academically, professionally, and musically. Her life had brought her to Charles City, where she was a Rotary Club member and an environmental engineer at Cambrex Charles City, Inc. Then, on August 2, 2020, her life ended in a tragic bicycle accident.

The Ellen Bengtson Memorial Scholarship Fund was established to honor Ellen and her academic achievements and love of learning.

“Our family hopes that scholarships from this fund will have a positive impact on the lives of women for years to come,” said Peter Bengtson, Ellen’s father and fund founder. “Ellen’s life was tragically and senselessly cut short. This scholarship through the Floyd County Community Foundation is one way of creating something good.”

The scholarship will be awarded to a female student pursuing a degree in engineering, math, or chemistry to help women achieve their highest potential.

Ellen’s lifelong love of learning can be seen in her academic resume. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Yale University (2014) and her Master’s Degree (2019) in chemical engineering from Columbia University in New York. She grew up in Richland, Washington, where she graduated from Richland High School in 2010 and was a 2010 Rotary Scholarship Recipient. She also received a high school diploma from Stanford University’s online high school through the Education Program for Gifted Youth.

Ellen also had a passion for music and began playing piano and double bass at a young age. She performed with many groups including the Mid-Columbia Symphony, and most recently in the Charles City Community Chamber Orchestra. She was an active member of Bethany Alliance Church and she dedicated her time as a math tutor among the refugee community. Ellen was also an outdoor enthusiast, an avid hiker and biker, and a world traveler.

A $10,000 commitment from Cambrex Charles City, Inc., along with other individual donations, have helped the fund grow closer to the $50,000 goal, which will support an annual $2,000 scholarship in perpetuity.

Learn more about Ellen at fund.cfneia.org/bengtsonscholarship.

Scholarships Program Reaches Exciting Milestone in 2020

Scholarships are an important part of the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa’s mission, and the program reached a historic milestone in 2020, exceeding the $500,000 mark in the total award amount.

“We are incredibly excited to continue to increase scholarship opportunities for students across our region,” said Kaye Englin, CFNEIA President and CEO. “This is a testament to the generosity and foresight of donors who believe education can truly change lives and impact our communities.”

Community Foundation scholarships are offered for high school seniors and college students, as well as adults. The 2021 scholarship process opens on January 10.

For the Love of Science

Nina (Jocic) Bonde’s journey to PhD student in Biochemistry at the University of Wisconsin-Madison has always been led by a love of science. Nina was born in the former Yugoslavia, and when she was three-years-old, her family immigrated to the United States, settling in Waterloo. 

Her family thrived in their new home. Both her parents went on to college and received degrees. Nina eventually attended high school at Waterloo West, where she not only excelled but connected to her community, including participating in the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa’s Teen Trust program. 

“I felt a really strong connection to my community. It’s always been a supportive community, and one thing that is unique is the diversity. It’s nice to have this variety of cultures,” said Nina. “Waterloo has always been a welcoming environment. I didn’t ever feel judgment being an immigrant. I always felt accepted.”

It’s also why she wanted to continue her education close to home at the University of Northern Iowa after graduation in 2015. To help offset the cost of college, Nina applied for scholarships through the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa. She was awarded a $5,000 scholarship from the Lary D. Zearley Science and Scholarship Fund.

Lary, a 1952 Waterloo West High School graduate, established the fund after his death to provide scholarships to future West High graduates, especially those with a gift for science. He had led a distinguished career in the field of prosthetics. Through his generosity, he has helped 43 students pursue their college education. The fund has awarded $105,000 in scholarships since 2012.  

“The scholarship was important because it allowed me to focus on my first year of college without as much stress about the financial aspect,” said Nina. 

Like Lary, Nina wants to make a difference for others.

“I have a huge passion for science and want to spend my life pursuing it,” expressed Nina. “I have a dream to become a professor. I valued my mentors at UNI, and I see myself stepping into a mentorship position where I’m working with undergraduates and helping them grow professionally.” 

Dreaming Big

Breanna Himschoot had dreamed of going to an Ivy League school like the University of Pennsylvania, but the Waterloo East High School graduate didn’t know if financially the dream would ever be achievable. Thanks to a generous financial aid package from the University, along with a four-year CFNEIA Opportunity Scholarship, Breanna has made her dream a reality.

“While Penn was great about covering essential things, having the additional financial aid allowed me to do even more. It gave me flexibility,” said Breanna. “Having a scholarship means the world, not just for paying for school but knowing someone is rooting for you. It helps a lot.”

Breanna faced struggles adjusting to the culture and class work, but even more difficult was being away from home. Breanna says she learned she was resilient and valued people, those on campus and those back in Iowa. Her resilience was truly tested when her father passed away from cancer during her junior year. Breanna honored his wishes and put her academics first during this time.

Another thing she learned at Penn was what she loved to do. Breanna is a submatriculate and will be graduating this spring with a Bachelors and Masters in English. This fall she will be coming home as a graduate student in the University of Iowa’s Masters of Library and Information Sciences.

“I want other East High graduates to know they should reach for their dreams and their aspirations are valid. There are people who have done it before you,” said Breanna.

A Passion for Conservation lives on Through Scholarship

Robert (Bob) Anderson was passionate about falconry and restoring the peregrine falcon to the bluffs of the Mississippi River. His passion and dedication attracted many to the cause, and in 1988 he founded the Raptor Resource Project.

Bob passed away on July 27, 2015, but his impact on raptors and their habitat is still being felt. Today, RaptorResource Project creates, improves, and directly maintains over 50 nest sites, provides training in nest site creation and management, and develops innovations in nest site management and viewing that brings people closer to the natural world. Bob’s legacy also includes the world-famous Decorah Eagles camera that reached millions of people, bringing a new perspective on raptors to the world.

Bob’s passion spilled out to everyone around him, and now his enthusiasm for raptors and conservation will live on through the establishment of the Robert Anderson Memorial Scholarship Fund with the Winneshiek County Community Foundation, an affiliate of the CommunityFoundation of Northeast Iowa.

“Bob believed deeply in education and the ability of people to make a difference for the better. His passion for scientific research and raptors changed lives and helped bring a species back from the brink of extinction,” said John Howe, Executive Director of the Raptor Resource Project.

The Robert Anderson Memorial Scholarship Fund will award scholarships to selected Luther College students in Decorah, Iowa. Students will be selected on criteria including demonstrated concern for the environment through positive environmental activism and community involvement or independent studies related to environmentalism.

“We will remember and celebrate our friend by fostering the next generation of environmental scientists and wildlife biologists in his name — young people who will help make the world a better place and carry Bob’s legacy into the future,” said John. His friends and fellow raptor conservationists at Raptor Resource Project hope others will remember Bob and ensure his legacy is passed on to the next generation of conservationist through gifts to the Fund, increasing the impact the scholarship will have for students following in his footsteps.“Bob loved Iowa - especially the Decorah area. We believe that the WinneshiekCounty Community Foundation is the best way to recognize his love and keep our Iowa connection strong," said John. "Bob was born in Minnesota, but Iowa was his home.”

Shae Etherington: 2016 Pat Adams Memorial Scholarship Recipient

As a high school student, Shae Etherington worked for four years at a local café in her hometown of Charles City, Iowa with a goal of saving enough money to pay for her college education. Unfortunately, the money she had been saving was not enough to cover tuition at the University of Northern Iowa, which is why when she learned she had been awarded a substantial scholarship, Shae was more than relieved.

The Pat Adams Memorial Scholarship Fund with the Floyd County Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, awarded Shae a four-year, $60,000 scholarship. The scholarship was established by Pat Adams through her will and influenced by her passion for education and Charles City. In 2016, 272 scholarships were made possible by the generosity of donors like Pat Adams through the Community Foundation.

“My whole life I’ve been money conscious. When that stress was taken away from me, it was a big relief. I was super grateful,” said Shae.

Though Shae was a hardworking student at Charles City High School, she never imagined she would receive this particular award.

Now, at the end of her freshman year at UNI, Shae has already reaped the benefits of the Pat Adams scholarship. She took a break from working during her first semester to give herself time to adjust to her new environment and schedule. In addition, with her scholarship in hand, Shae was able to use her savings for “extras” like attending her college-ministry conference. “Without the scholarship, I wouldn’t have had the ability to spend money on these other great opportunities,” said Shae.

Currently, Shae is studying to become a speech and language pathologist. The career choice is derived from a passion for working with the elderly and children with special needs – both groups that benefit from speech pathology. “I don’t know if Ms. Adams could have ever realized how thankful I am,” said Shae. “The scholarship makes a huge difference in my life and I am forever grateful.”