Grand Lodge of Iowa Masonic Scholarships
Scholarship Sponsored by Grand Lodge of Iowa
Overview
The Grand Lodge of Iowa, A.F. & A.M. awards 25 scholarships to Iowa public high school seniors graduating in the 2026–2027 academic year. These awards support post-secondary study at accredited two-year or four-year institutions in any state and may be applied to bona fide school-related expenses such as tuition, fees, and books. Applicants are not required to have a Masonic connection; selection is based on a comprehensive written application and an in-depth personal interview. The program is non-discriminatory with respect to race, creed, religion, color, sex, or national origin.
Description: A merit- and service-oriented scholarship program administered by the Grand Lodge of Iowa to help public high school seniors pursue higher education.
- Administered by the Grand Lodge of Iowa in Cedar Rapids.
- Open to public high school seniors who will graduate in 2026–2027.
- Supports study at accredited two- or four-year institutions nationwide.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants must be current high school seniors fully enrolled at an Iowa public school, residing in Iowa, and planning to enroll in an accredited two- or four-year degree program after graduation. Private and home-schooled students are not eligible to apply. Applicants must be graduating from a public high school within the state of Iowa during the 2026–2027 academic year. Meeting these eligibility conditions is a prerequisite before the selection committee evaluates other merits.
Eligibility: Iowa public high school seniors who reside in Iowa and plan to attend an accredited two- or four-year institution; private and home school students are excluded.
- Must be a current senior at an Iowa public high school.
- Must reside in the state of Iowa and graduate in 2026–2027.
- Intended enrollment at an accredited two- or four-year institution is required.
Award Details
The Grand Lodge will award a total of 25 scholarships: fifteen scholarships at $5,000 each and ten scholarships at $2,500 each. Awards may be used for qualified school-related expenses, including tuition, fees, and books. The Grand Lodge office is located at 813 First Avenue SE, Cedar Rapids, and administers distribution of the scholarships and related communications. Exact disbursement procedures will be provided to recipients following selection.
Award Value: 15 awards of $5,000 and 10 awards of $2,500, payable toward eligible education expenses.
- 25 total scholarships awarded annually for the 2026–2027 graduating class.
- Funds may be applied to tuition, fees, books, and other bona fide school expenses.
- Recipients will receive disbursement instructions from the Grand Lodge.
Selection Criteria
Selection is based on a broad set of criteria that emphasize community and school service with particular attention to leadership roles. The committee evaluates academic record, communication skills, demonstrated need for financial assistance, and recommendations from school officials. Applicants do not need a Masonic affiliation, though they may note any such connection in their resume. Finalists are chosen from the pool of applicants and invited to personal interviews before awards are announced.
- Primary emphasis on service and leadership in school and community.
- Academic performance, communication skills, and financial need are considered.
- Recommendations from school officials are a required component of evaluation.
Application Requirements
Applicants must complete a comprehensive written application and, if selected as finalists, participate in a personal interview. Recommendation letters must not be written by immediate family members and should be submitted on official school stationery when possible. The school official providing the recommendation must include their title, sign the letter, and reference the applicant by name. The scholarship committee reviews all application materials and interview performance before making final award decisions.
Recommendation requirements: Letters should be on official school stationery, signed by the school official, and address specific aspects of the applicant.
- Personal attributes
- Abilities, talents, and interests
- Scholarship, study habits, and probable success in college or vocational school
- Home and family
- Need for financial assistance
- Any pertinent or unusual factor(s) for the Scholarship Selection Committee to consider
- Comprehensive written application plus interview for finalists.
- Recommendations must come from school officials, not immediate family.
- Letters should address specified applicant qualities and be signed with the official’s title.
Application Timeline
Recommendation letters and application materials are due by the published February due date; applicants should follow the official instructions for submission. The Scholarship Selection Committee will identify several finalists from the submitted applications and invite them to interviews. Finalist interviews are conducted via Zoom video conferencing in late March, after which scholarship recipients are selected. Applicants are encouraged to monitor official communications for exact dates and submission details.
Application Timeline: Materials due by the February deadline; finalist interviews conducted via Zoom in late March; recipients selected after interviews.
- Recommendation letters and application materials are due by the February deadline.
- Finalist interviews occur via Zoom in late March.
- Recipients are chosen following completion of interviews.