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Prairie Trail Scholarship – Online Application

Deadline to Apply: March 31, 2025

The Prairie Trail Scholarship supports residents of the Prairie Trail Development in Ankeny, Iowa who are pursuing education beyond high school. This includes current high school seniors, college students, and adults seeking continuing education or career training.

Preference is given to students attending:

  • Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC), or
  • Accredited colleges, universities, or vocational schools located in Iowa.

All applicants - including past recipients - must complete the online application to be considered. Scholarships are awarded annually and may be used for tuition and books only.

Eligibility

To qualify, applicants must:

  • Be a resident or dependent of a property owner in the Prairie Trail neighborhood in Ankeny, Iowa on the first day of classes.
  • Not live in temporary or student housing (long-term traditional rental homes are allowed).
  • Be enrolled full-time in an accredited two- or four-year college, university, or vocational school.
  • Have at least a 2.0 GPA. (Applicants with no recorded grades in the past 10 years are exempt from this requirement.)

Award Amounts

  • Students attending DMACC: Up to $12,000 lifetime, with $3,500 per year ($1,750 per semester).
  • Students attending other schools: Up to $10,000 lifetime, with $2,500 per year ($1,250 per semester).

Application Requirements

  1. Online Form
    Complete the online application in one sitting (about 10 minutes). The form cannot be saved mid-way.
  2. Essay (Minimum 250 Words)
    Submit a one-page, single-spaced essay (Times New Roman, 12 pt.) answering:
    • What are your academic achievements and goals?
    • What are your future career plans?
    • How have you been involved in school and your community?
    • How would this scholarship help you?
    • Are there any special financial circumstances?
  3. Transcript
    Upload or send your most recent transcript (official, unofficial, or scanned copy) to the DMACC Scholarship Office by the deadline.

Funding Guidelines

  • Scholarships are awarded based on available funding each year.
  • Awards are paid directly to the school.
  • Students must stay enrolled full-time and maintain a 2.0 GPA to receive the second semester's funding.
  • Students on academic probation may lose funding.
  • Reapplying each year is required; scholarships are not automatically renewed.

 

The application is currently closed.