Ike Foundation Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by Ike Foundation
Intro
The Ike Foundation provides scholarships for graduating high school seniors who plan to enroll full time in a two- or four-year college or university in the United States. Awards are granted based on scholastic performance, demonstrated volunteer service (preference given to work related to fishing or conservation), and a required personal essay responding to the Foundation’s prompt.
Selection process
Applications are evaluated through a blind, merit-based review. The Scholarship Committee uses a standardized point system to score submissions and ensure objective, fair comparisons. Final award decisions are made by the Committee.
Use of award funds
Scholarship money must be used for education-related expenses: tuition, mandatory fees, course supplies, textbooks, or equipment required for your studies.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the Ike Foundation College Scholarship, applicants must meet all of the following:
- Be a current high school senior
- Be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non‑citizen
- Intend to enroll as a full‑time, degree-seeking student at a two‑ or four‑year college or university in the United States
- Show a record of volunteer service that supports the community, with preference given to activities connected to fishing or conservation
- Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 (an unofficial transcript is acceptable for application review; an official transcript will be required if you are selected)
- Submit at least one letter of recommendation from a current teacher, coach, or school administrator
- Provide written proof of acceptance from the college or university you plan to attend
Essay requirement
Applicants must submit a five-paragraph essay that addresses the following prompt:
- Describe the influence fishing and the outdoors have had on your life to date, and explain your hopes for the future of fishing and outdoor spaces.
Please write the essay in your own words. While artificial intelligence can be a helpful tool, essays will be reviewed with AI-detection software; submissions judged to be primarily AI-generated or not on the required topic will be disqualified.
Important
Applications that do not include the required essay on the specified topic will not be considered.