Conservation Scholarships

CDI is partnering with local Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD) to foster the higher education endeavors of Iowa students interested in conservation and agriculture by offering scholarships. Iowa High School Class of 2024 students pursuing programs of study in any field of conservation or agriculture qualifies for the Conservation Scholarship. While this is a wide field and many studies qualify, preference will be given to students pursuing programs of study in conservation. The scholarship must be used for the student’s first year of college education.

2024 Application & Instructions

Please note that the application form has been changed. Application forms from previous years will not qualify. Follow the instructions on the application closely. Applications filled out incorrectly will not qualify. Pay close attention to deadlines. Applications submitted after set deadlines will not be considered. The 2024 application is available HERE.

Awards

After final selections, the top three scholarships will be awarded at the state level in the amounts of $3000, $2000 and $1000. Winners from the remaining six regions will each receive $500. First, second and third place awards will be paid directly to the applicant’s school of choice in two equal installments, one upon enrollment at the beginning of the year and the second at midterm. The six other scholarships will be paid directly to the students.

Selection Criteria

Scholarship applications are judged based on the following criteria:

  • 20 points for Involvement, Leadership and Character
  • 20 points for Career
  • 30 points for Scholastic Achievement
  • 30 points for Conservation Message

Downloads

2024 Conservation Scholarship Rules

2024 Scholarship Application

Congratulations to the 2023 Scholarship Winners!

1st Place – Alaina Gebel, Allamakee SWCD, Region 4, $3,000

2nd Place – Amelia Hesse, Page SWCD, Region 8, $2,000

3rd Place – Seth Breeding, Madison SWCD, Region 6, $1,000

 

Our Regional Winners – With an award of $500/Scholarship

CDI Region 1 – Derek Goth, Cherokee SWCD

CDI Region 2 – Sydney Hurd, Sac SWCD

CDI Region 3 – Jadyn Beland, Worth SWCD

CDI Region 5 – Keira Simmons, Guthrie SWCD

CDI Region 7 – Molly Matthiesen, Clinton SWCD

CDI Region 9 – Elle Chickering, Davis SWCD

 

2022 Scholarship Winners

1st Place – Hunter Thilges, Kossuth SWCD, Region 2, $3,000

2nd Place – Brady Van Meeteren, O’Brien SWCD, Region 1, $2,000

3rd Place – Marissa Lindemann, Story SWCD, Region 6, $1,000