Iowa United Methodist Foundation Westmar Scholarship Opening Soon
Offered by Iowa United Methodist Foundation
About This Scholarship
When Westmar College, a school affiliated with the Iowa Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church, closed, part of its remaining scholarship money was placed in an endowment at the Iowa United Methodist Foundation. Today that endowment funds the Westmar Scholarship, which helps Iowa United Methodists attend the denomination's colleges in Iowa. The foundation lists 13 awards of $3,600 each.
Applicants must belong to an Iowa United Methodist church and be enrolled, or planning to enroll, at a United Methodist-affiliated college in Iowa. High school applicants need at least a 3.0 GPA and college applicants at least a 2.5, along with evidence of involvement in school activities. When candidates are otherwise equal, students from eight northwest Iowa counties (Lyon, Sioux, Osceola, O'Brien, Plymouth, Cherokee, Woodbury and Ida) get preference.
The application includes a personal statement, a transcript, a FAFSA or tax return, and three recommendation letters: one from a pastor, one from a school advisor or teacher, and one from a community leader outside the church. Applications are open December 1 through March 1 each year.
Eligibility
- Member of an Iowa United Methodist church
- Enrolled or planning to enroll at a United Methodist-affiliated college in Iowa
- Minimum 3.0 GPA for high school applicants; 2.5 for college applicants
- Evidence of involvement in high school or college activities
- Must submit a FAFSA or IRS tax return
- Preference to students from Lyon, Sioux, Osceola, O'Brien, Plymouth, Cherokee, Woodbury and Ida counties when other criteria are equal
How To Apply
- Starting December 1, open the application link on the IUMF Westmar Scholarship page (it leads to the foundation's online portal hosted by Kaleidoscope)
- Write the personal statement essay (background, call to ministry, a period of spiritual growth, or a challenge you overcame)
- Upload your transcript to date and your FAFSA or IRS tax return; ACT/SAT scores are optional
- Request three recommendation letters: your pastor, a school advisor/counselor or teacher, and a community leader outside your church (no relatives)
- Submit everything online by March 1; the foundation does not accept mailed or emailed materials
Frequently Asked Questions
Which colleges qualify?
The award is for students attending or planning to attend a United Methodist-affiliated college in Iowa.
Do I need to be Methodist?
Yes. Applicants must be members of an Iowa United Methodist church, and a pastor recommendation is required.
How many awards are given?
The foundation lists 13 Westmar Scholarships of $3,600 each.