Areas of Greatest Need for the First Scholars' Office

First-generation and income-eligible students at Iowa State University bring extraordinary determination and resilience to their college journey. However, financial barriers can create challenges that impact persistence and graduation.

Philanthropic support allows the First Scholars Office to respond directly to student needs by providing targeted resources, emergency assistance, and developmental opportunities that help students stay enrolled, thrive, and graduate.

The following areas represent the greatest opportunities for donors to make a meaningful impact on the lives of first-generation and income-eligible Cyclones.

First Scholars Fund

The First Scholars General Fund provides flexible support for the programs, resources, and emergency assistance that first-generation and income-eligible students rely on throughout their college journey. Contributions to this fund enable the First Scholars Office to respond quickly to emerging student needs and invest in areas where support will have the greatest impact. Whether helping a student overcome an unexpected financial challenge, access essential academic resources, or participate in programs that foster belonging and leadership development, gifts to the General Fund ensure first-generation and income-eligible Cyclones have the support they need to persist, graduate, and thrive.

Your gift can help support:

Student Retention & Emergency Support

Unexpected financial barriers are one of the most common reasons students delay or leave college. Even relatively small expenses can interrupt a student’s ability to remain enrolled. Support in this area provides immediate assistance that helps students overcome financial challenges and continue their education.

Emergency Grant Funding

Emergency Funding provides short-term financial assistance to students experiencing unexpected circumstances that could disrupt their ability to remain enrolled at Iowa State. Unplanned expenses, such as housing instability, food insecurity, medical needs, or a sudden loss of income, can quickly become barriers to continuing coursework. This funding allows the university to respond quickly and provide immediate support so students can remain focused on their education during difficult times.
 

Senior Completion Grants

The First Scholars Senior Completion Grant provides targeted financial support to students in their final year who are at risk of delaying graduation due to unexpected financial hardship. Even small outstanding balances or required academic expenses can prevent students from enrolling in their final semester or receiving their degree. This funding helps ensure students can complete the degree they have worked so hard to achieve.
 

Academic Success Support

Pathways Book Scholarship

The First Scholars Pathways Book Scholarship provides financial assistance for required textbooks and course materials for first-generation and income-eligible students with demonstrated financial need. Access to course materials at the start of the semester is critical for academic success, yet many students delay purchasing textbooks due to the cost. This scholarship ensures students can begin classes prepared and fully engaged in their coursework.

Experiential Learning Opportunities

Conference, Internship, and Study Abroad Scholarships

Experiential learning opportunities such as internships, conferences, and study abroad programs can be transformative, but they are often financially out of reach for first-generation and income-eligible students. This scholarship helps cover costs such as conference registration, travel, passports, program fees, housing, and other related expenses so students can pursue opportunities that expand their academic, professional, and global perspectives.
 

Community, Mentorship, and Student Development

First Scholars Mentorship Program Fund

The First Scholars Mentorship Program connects students with Iowa State faculty and staff mentors who provide guidance, encouragement, and institutional insight throughout the college experience. Mentors help students build confidence, develop professional skills, and navigate the university environment while forming meaningful relationships with trusted campus leaders.

First Scholars Programming

First Scholars programming provides workshops, events, and learning opportunities designed to support the success of first-generation and income-eligible students. Programs focus on financial literacy, navigating campus resources, leadership development, and career readiness while helping students build community and confidence.

First-Generation Week Fund

First-Generation Week is a campus-wide celebration recognizing the achievements and experiences of Iowa State’s first-generation students. Through workshops, resource sessions, and community events, students connect with mentors, learn about campus resources, and strengthen their sense of belonging within the university community.

Celebrating Milestones

Graduation regalia is more than fabric. It represents years of perseverance, sacrifice, and achievement.

Cap & Gown Fund

For many students, the final barrier to graduation is financial, not academic. The Cap & Gown Fund ensures that first-generation and income-eligible students can fully participate in commencement by covering the cost of university regalia. This support allows students to celebrate their achievements with their families and be recognized for their years of hard work and perseverance.

The Regalia Legacy Awards

The Regalia Legacy Award honors notable first-generation undergraduate and Ph.D. students each year by providing a complete set of graduation regalia. This award was inspired by the legacy of Dr. Lyn Ann Brodersen Cochran, whose family generously donated her doctoral regalia. That act of generosity sparked a broader vision: transforming regalia from a financial obstacle into a symbol of belonging, mentorship, and legacy for future scholars.

How You Can Make a Difference

Your generosity directly supports first-generation and income-eligible students at Iowa State. Every gift, no matter the size, helps remove barriers, expand opportunities, and ensure students have the support they need to succeed.

By investing in these programs, you are helping students persist through challenges, reach graduation, and become the next generation of Cyclone leaders.

Make your gift today and help ensure every first-generation and income-eligible student can succeed at Iowa State University.