Counselors
Can I verify whether my student’s application was submitted?
We’re working on a system that will give counselors the ability to see all submissions from their students.
Can students still apply if undecided on major or college/university?
Yes
Can I contact the foundation directly if I have questions about a student’s application?
If you’re a counselor you’ll be able to view the application from each student from your school in its entirety.
Will you notify me before the application deadline of applications that are started, but not yet complete?
A list of incomplete applications is compiled a week before the application closes and each student is emailed directly.
Students
Am I eligible to apply for your scholarships?
Southwest Iowa Educational Foundation (SWIEF) scholarships are limited to students who attend high school in southwest Iowa, which means your high school must be located in one of the following counties in order for you to be eligible: Cass, Fremont, Harrison, Mills, Montgomery, Page, Pottawattamie, and Shelby. Additionally, students who attend the following high schools are also eligible: Boyer Valley, Exira-EHK, IKM-Manning, and Southwest Valley.
How do I apply for a scholarship?
You can apply by completing our online scholarship application, which is available on our website under the “Application” tab.
When can I apply for scholarships?
The online SWIEF application opens January 15th each year.
Can I apply for more than one scholarship?
Each applicant must complete a single Application Packet, which will be used for consideration of all scholarships that are indicated on the list of scholarships.
Is there a cost to apply?
No. There is no cost to apply for any of our scholarships.
What materials do I need to submit?
Each application packet must include a completed scholarship application, high school and/or college transcript, and any additional supplemental materials, if applicable.
How do I submit my transcripts?
It is preferable that applicants upload transcripts in the application software, but they can be mailed or delivered, with support materials, in one package, so that the Foundation physically receives them on or before March 22. Application packets received after this date, regardless of post mark or delivery date, will not be considered.
When is the application deadline?
The online SWIEF application’s deadline is March 15th.
How and when will I be notified if I receive a scholarship?
Scholarships will be awarded and candidates notified by April 10th of each year. Notification will be sent via email. Only recipients will be notified.
Parents
Will I receive updates about my student’s application status?
No. All application updates are sent directly to the student. We encourage you to stay connected by checking in with your student throughout the process. If your student has questions or needs help understanding an update they receive, they are welcome to contact us for assistance.
What is the deadline to apply?
March 15th.
Donors
Can the scholarship be named in honor or memory of someone?
Yes
What is the timeframe or deadline to create a new scholarship?
You may begin the process of creating a new scholarship at any time throughout the year. However, to ensure the scholarship can be included in the upcoming award cycle, all details must be finalized by December. This allows us to set up the criteria, update our materials, and include the scholarship in our application system.