Educational Grant

The Washington Economic Development Group (WEDG) offers an annual Educational Grant designed to support post-secondary education for students pursuing trade-related careers. As a key economic stakeholder in Washington County, Iowa, WEDG works with both new and established businesses to stimulate sustainable growth and community development. The organization aims to help build a workforce that contributes directly to the vitality and long-term prosperity of Washington County. To further this mission, WEDG offers four individual grants of $1,500 each to eligible high school seniors who intend to pursue a trade-related degree at an accredited Iowa community college or technical school. These grants are intended to ease the financial burden of education and encourage local talent to return to Washington County for employment after completing their training. Applications are currently open and must be submitted no later than March 13, 2026. Recipients are announced during Senior Class Awards Night. Eligibility for the grant is limited to students who have graduated from high schools in Washington County, Iowa. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or hold Permanent Resident Cards. In addition to planning to attend an accredited trade-related program, students must express a commitment to returning to Washington County for employment upon completion of their studies. Children of WEDG directors and staff are eligible to apply, and students may reapply and receive the grant more than once. The grant funds are disbursed in two installments—50% at the beginning of the fall term and 50% at the beginning of the spring term. Funds are paid directly to the educational institution and may be used toward tuition, books, and class or material fees. Before the second installment is disbursed, recipients must demonstrate that they are in good academic standing with their institution. The application requires a letter of recommendation from a non-relative who can speak to the applicant’s character, integrity, and work ethic. Suitable referees include teachers, coaches, or employers. The letter may follow a provided form or be written independently, and must be included with the application submission. Selection is based on a structured points system evaluating multiple areas. Applicants may earn up to 50 points for their career path and work experience, 50 points for the recommendation letter, 10 points for academic performance (GPA), and 15 points for volunteerism and leadership. A subcommittee of WEDG's Board of Directors is responsible for reviewing applications and selecting recipients. Applicants are required to submit their application via a Google Form located at https://forms.gle/SzfUKHaVrniJAr4Q6. For more information, interested parties may contact Melanie Bimson, Executive Director of WEDG, via phone at (319) 653-3942 or email at [email protected].