Jones County Young Leader Scholarship

The Jones County Community Foundation (JCCF) is offering a $2,000 scholarship to one graduating high school senior residing in Jones County, Iowa, as part of its annual Young Leader Scholarship program. This scholarship is awarded to a student who has demonstrated a strong and consistent commitment to community service within the county and shows intention to continue contributing to the Jones County community in the future. Applicants must be current residents of Jones County and must attend one of the four local high schools—Anamosa, Cascade, Midland, or Monticello—or be homeschooled within the county. The scholarship is open to members of the Class of 2026 who plan to pursue post-secondary education at an accredited institution, including trade or technical schools, beginning in the fall of 2026. This scholarship is not based on academic performance. Instead, applicants are asked to discuss their educational goals, describe their community service involvement, and explain their intention to return to Jones County after completing their education. They are also asked to provide an estimated breakdown of how they plan to finance their education. A complete application includes a brief personal statement, details of school activities and awards, and a letter of recommendation from a community member not affiliated with school staff or administration. Suitable recommenders include leaders of civic organizations, religious institutions, performance groups, or nonprofits. The application period opens on September 3, 2025, and the deadline to apply is October 15, 2025, at midnight. The scholarship recipient must attend the Jones County Community Foundation’s Annual Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, December 2, 2025. If unable to attend due to a valid conflict, the recipient must submit a video up to two minutes in length, which will be shown at the ceremony in their absence. Award disbursement is contingent upon proof of enrollment in an eligible post-secondary institution.

Choose a recommender from outside school staff (e.g., church, civic org). Emphasize long-term commitment to community service. Submit before midnight deadline.