Chapter Resources

Existing Chapters can also click here to log into the Dollars for Scholars Chapter Portal.

New Guest Editorial Available: Let Your Local Paper Know why Dollars for Scholars Matters
Iowa Dollars for Scholars Executive Director Judi Pierick has put together a guest editorial perfect for submission to your local newspaper. The editorial points out the impact of Iowa Dollars for Scholars in all of our communities, and, with the back-to-school season approaching, now is a great time to send it off to your editor. Click here to read the full editorial, or here to download it in Microsoft Word format.

Looking for Collegiate Partners?
Collegiate Partners are a group of more than 500 colleges, universities and trade schools across the country that have agreed to partner with Dollars for Scholars to maximize the impact of Dollars for Scholars and other Scholarship America-related financial aid on their campuses. Click here to download a full list of Collegiate Partners nationwide.

The Iowa College Access Network: Providing Resources for Students and Parents Statewide
Iowa Dollars for Scholars works closely with the Iowa College Access Network. Their Web site, www.ICANSucceed.org, offers a number of complementary resources for Iowa students and parents. The mission of the Iowa College Access Network (ICAN) is to help individuals attain their educational and career goals. ICAN operates two College Planning Centers in West Des Moines, Iowa, and in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, which provide free information and support to a diverse population of students and their families as they.

ICAN also exists to improve access to and success in postsecondary education for disadvantaged, minority and first-generation students. ICAN does this by: supporting a network of state and local college access programs that provide counseling, advice and financial assistance; sharing best practices among the network; providing leadership and technical assistance; and helping establish new college access programs.

The Iowa College Access Network is provided by Iowa Student Loan. The services provided by ICAN are available regardless of whether or not the student borrows through an Iowa Student Loan participating lender and they are free. Visit ICANSucceed.org to find out more!

Wondering about starting a chapter? Here's a few reasons why:
Why Start Dollars for Scholars In Your Community?
* Many times, local scholarship sources are untapped. Unless there is a vehicle in the community established strictly for this purpose, additional funds may never be identified.
* Schools are not in the business of soliciting scholarships. A community-based foundation can promote individual donations and permanent funds.
* Funds can be invested without restrictions. Many times schools have specific guidelines and restrictions as to how money donated may be invested. The local Dollars for Scholars board of directors determines how funds are to be invested; all dollars raised locally remain in the community.
* Community organizations such as the Rotary, Elks, Junior League, Kiwanis etc. may want to umbrella their scholarships under the Dollars for Scholars program and create a common application. A common application will help with the paperwork and also make it easier for students to identify local scholarships. Donors that umbrella their funds within the chapter, may still retain their identity and set the criteria for their scholarships.
* A Dollars for Scholars chapter encourages students by sending a message that the community believes in them and supports higher education. Some communities have even set money aside for adults going back to school.
* A Dollars for Scholars chapter can develop a partnership between the school and community. A chapter’s board of directors might consist of both school and community leaders.
* Many colleges and universities (Collegiate Partners) are participating in the support of the Dollars for Scholars program. A number of these institutions match local Dollars for Scholars awards.
* All Dollars for Scholars chapters are tax exempt foundations. The parent organization, Scholarship America, files for the chapters on their behalf. Immediately upon affiliation, a Dollars for Scholars chapter can start fund-raising and awarding scholarships.

Why Sponsor Scholarships Through Dollars for Scholars?
* Greater Visibility for your Scholarship(s)

o Dollars for Scholars helps to promote scholarship sponsors by broadening recognition through the chapter’s promotional efforts at awards ceremonies, in brochures, posters, award programs, donor listings, newsletters and more

* Avoids Duplication of Effort

o You get all the credit and Dollars for Scholars does all the work by designing, printing, distributing, collecting, and evaluating the application forms.

* Better Distribution of Scholarship Dollars

o Existing sponsors no longer have to worry about selecting the same candidates as another organization
o More equitable distribution of local scholarships—more students are receiving more money
o Opportunity to join with other sponsors to provide the community with a single awards program

* Hassle Free Scholarship Selection

o Dollars for Scholars has a proven methodology--provides objective and professional evaluation of applicants through a process that assigns points for various student qualities without reference to student names during the scoring process.

* More Applicants for Your Scholarship

o One easy application for a broad range of scholarships and a standard deadline date encourages students to apply for scholarships

* Make Your Scholarship Awards Stretch!

o Thanks to Dollars for Scholars’ Collegiate Partners Program, a large number of colleges have agreed not to reduce the student’s financial aid package when a student receive a scholarship through a Dollars for Scholars chapter.
o A growing number of colleges also agree to match sponsored awards when managed by a Dollars for Scholars chapter.

* You will be helping local school guidance counselors

o Common application form and selection process will free the counselor to focus on more pressing issues and have more time to assist students.
o No multiple files for local scholarship application forms.
o More students will be encouraged to apply.

* You will be helping the community

o Dollars for Scholars provides a single, coordinated, and recognizable plan for local scholarship giving
o Encourages more people to consider giving scholarships resulting in more scholarship opportunities for local students
o Increases public commitment to continuing education of local students
o Improves the educational climate of the community.