The Leadership & Legacy Scholarship for Minority Students will award funding to students who have been traditionally underrepresented in higher education, especially Hispanic, Native American and Black/African American students. Funding for the scholarships is provided through Leader Valley and benefits from the full and equitable participation of a diverse community. Leader Valley is committed to advancing the core values of diversity, inclusion and equity across all aspects of leadership.

Applications for the 2025 cycle will be open May 1st – June 1st.

APPLY NOW

Eligibility

Qualifying applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or hold permanent resident status.
  • Applicants must be attending school in Black Hawk County, Iowa and/or attend a Leader Valley Leader in Me school.
  • Students who will be entering their freshman year of college in the fall of 2025 are eligible to apply.
  • Applicants must have a GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
  • Students who are selected must be considered a full-time student to be eligible for continued funding.
  • Students who are selected must participate in Summer Leadership Seminars the summer before their sophomore and junior years of college to be eligible for continued funding.

Stipend

The $10,000 four-year scholarship is for up to $2,500 per year during freshman through senior years of college. Each year’s funding depends on successful completion of the previous academic year.

Application Procedures

  • Complete an application form.
  • Submit an official high school transcript showing past three years.
  • Two letters of recommendation from non-related individuals are required; one personal reference and one school or professional reference.

Applicants are responsible for ensuring all application tasks are complete in order to submit the application for consideration by the deadline date. Applications will not submit if all stages are not complete. Applications for the 2025 cycle will be open May 1st – June 1st.

APPLY NOW

A Legacy & Leadership Scholar takes a path to greatness by being:

  • Responsible- They are proactive. They make choices responsibly and take ownership.
  • Future thinking- They begin with the end in mind. They have clear goals they are working toward.
  • Purposeful- They put first things first. They execute on their priorities.
  • Abundant- They think win-win. They seek mutual benefit.
  • Empathetic- They seek first to understand. They listen before they talk.
  • Humble- They know together is better. They embrace diversity in people and thought.
  • Balanced- They sharpen their saw. They take care of their biggest asset- themselves.
  • Passionate- They find their voice. They engage in activities that tap into their talents and fuel their passions.
APPLY NOW