UI Partners With DMPS on Micro-Scholarship Program
Superintendent Tom Ahart (r) joins University of Iowa President Bruce Harreld at East High School to announce a new micro-scholarship program.
University of Iowa President Bruce Harreld and Des Moines Public Schools’ Superintendent Tom Ahart were at East High School to announce that the school district has been selected as a partner in a new “micro-scholarship” program. The initiative, called raise.me, rewards students with small financial bonuses for academics and activities in high school to supplement other scholarships or financial aid packages. All DMPS high school students are eligible to participate. The following is the press release from the University of Iowa announcing the new program:
The University of Iowa today announced that it has partnered with the Raise.me scholarship platform on a statewide pilot project to encourage and improve college readiness among Iowa high school students.
Using Raise.me, high school students from select school districts in each of Iowa’s 99 counties will be eligible to earn up to a total of $1,200 in “micro-scholarships” to attend the UI by meeting certain criteria, such as achieving an A or a B grade in select math classes or being involved in arts, athletics or other extra-curricular programs.
The goal of the program is to encourage students to take rigorous courses and get involved in school activities, all while saving for future college expenses.
“Even if they ultimately decide not to attend the University of Iowa, participating students will be better prepared for success at any post-secondary institution,” said Bruce Harreld, UI president.
The high schools selected for the four-year pilot project are from the district in each county with the highest free and reduced lunch percentage, based on 2015-16 data from the Iowa Department of Education. Des Moines Public Schools is one of the districts that will be participating in the project.
“From providing every junior the ACT exam to increasing the accessibility to AP courses, we are taking several steps at Des Moines Public Schools to help students become ready for college and beyond,” said Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Thomas Ahart. “This initiative with the University of Iowa is a step forward in addressing another important issue: affordability. Financial support, in ways big and small, make a difference for students wanting to continue their education.”
The micro-scholarship platform is a partnership between the UI and Raise.me, with the support of Facebook and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The platform gives students instant feedback on their accomplishments, helping to motivate and provide them with preparation they need to meet college admission guidelines.For more information about the micro-scholarships or Raise.me, go to admissions.uiowa.edu/all99 or to www.raise.me.
