Iowa Robert D. Blue Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Iowa Centennial Memorial Foundation

Introduction
This scholarship is available to Iowa residents who intend to enroll at an Iowa college or university for the coming academic year and who have not previously received the Robert D. Blue Scholarship. Eligible applicants include current high school seniors as well as students already attending a postsecondary institution. All applications must be submitted through the online application system. The annual submission deadline is May 10.

Eligibility
- Must be a resident of Iowa.
- Planning to attend an in-state college or university during the upcoming school year.
- May be a high school senior or already enrolled in college.
- May not have been a prior Robert D. Blue Scholarship recipient.

Scoring Criteria
Applications are evaluated using the following weightings:
- Recommendations: 10%
- Academic performance (GPA): 20%
- Essay: 25%
- Demonstrated financial need: 45%

Essay Requirement
Write an original 500-word essay describing a non-family member from your community who exemplifies good citizenship. Explain what this person has done to contribute to or improve the community.

Recommendations
You must provide contact information (name and mailing address) for two individuals—neither may be a family member—who will write letters of recommendation on your behalf. You may either upload the letters with your application materials or have the authors mail their letters directly.

Mailing Address for Letters and Other Hard Copies
State of Iowa Treasurer
Robert D. Blue Scholarship
State Capitol Building
Des Moines, IA 50319

Suggested Documents to Have Ready Before You Begin the Online Application
- Transcripts: high school and, if applicable, college transcripts.
- Federal tax return(s): if you are claimed as a dependent, include your parent’s/guardian’s return(s); if not, include your own (and your spouse’s, if applicable).
- Awards/grants statement: documentation of awards or grants shown in the college financial aid office.
- Recommendations: names and addresses of two non-family references who will provide letters.
- Essay: the required 500-word original essay described above.
- If you are not receiving financial aid: an award letter from the college stating that financial aid will not be granted.

Important Submission Notes
- The application form itself is accepted only online.
- After submitting the online application, the following items must be mailed to the address above to complete your application file:
- Two letters of recommendation
- Official transcripts (high school, and college transcripts if currently enrolled in college)

Deadline reminder: all applications and required mailed materials must adhere to the yearly deadline of May 10.