The Center for Student Educational Success, a funded initiative this year of the university's strategic plan, has launched these funding opportunities for first-generation or low-income undergraduate students. Faculty and staff are encouraged to share these opportunities with their students. More information about these opportunities is online.
Book scholarships
The First Scholars Book Scholarship program offers up to $300 per semester for required course materials to students who have demonstrated financial need through the Office of Student Financial Aid. In its first round, a cohort of students will receive awards for up to three semesters (spring '24, fall '24, spring '25 or until graduation). The number of scholarships is based on applications and funding available. The final deadline for a spring 2024 grant is Monday, Jan. 29.
The scholarship application is available via the university's OneApp scholarship application (the general application must be completed first). In OneApp, select "All opportunities" and search for "First Scholars book scholarship."
Group tutoring funding
Funding for group tutoring is available during the fall and spring semesters for low-income or first-generation students. The service features weekly tutoring sessions, up to 14 sessions/semester. Tutoring financial support is available on a first-come, first-served basis. To get a tutor, visit Tutoring Services and select "First Scholars" as the funding source. Tutoring sign-up for spring semester opens Jan. 15.
International students can access tutoring support through the International Students and Scholars Office.
Senior completion grants
This completion grant offers financial support to students who are at risk of not completing their degree due to financial difficulties. The amount will vary depending on individual circumstances but generally will cover expenses such as tuition, books, housing, transportation and emergency expenses. It may be renewable for subsequent semesters contingent on continued eligibility and reapplication. For consideration for spring 2024 semester, the application will remain open until May 10.
To be eligible for the grant, students must:
- Demonstrate financial need, as determined by answers provided on the OneApp application and confirmed by ISU's office of student financial aid.
- Be eligible for a Pell Grant.
- Maintain a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA.
- Be a graduating senior in fall or spring of the current academic year.
- Priority consideration but not required: Be enrolled as a first-generation college student (neither parent or legal guardian has completed a bachelor's degree at a 4-year institution)
Students eligible for senior completion grants also will need to complete the OneApp scholarship application. An instructions PDF is available from the Cyclone Success Assistance page.
