Abigail Schafer (pictured) and Madison Clausen are recipients of Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa scholarships.

Two Tama County students pursuing higher education opportunities have received additional financial assistance this fall thanks to scholarships from the Tama County Community Foundation and its host foundation, the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa. These scholarships totaling over $1,500 are part of CFNEIA’s largest total scholarship award amount in its 60-year history. In 2016, CFNEIA awarded 273 scholarships totaling $446,000 to students across Iowa.

Madison Clausen, a graduate from North Tama High School, received the Betty Clauer Ketter Memorial Scholarship. Clausen is now attending the University of Northern Iowa, majoring in nursing. Abigail Schafer, a graduate from North Tama High School, received the Darrell and Maxine Karr Family Scholarship. Schafer is attending Iowa State University, majoring in mathematics education.

“We want to congratulate these students on their accomplishments and hope they find success as they follow their dreams,” said Kaye Englin, CFNEIA President and CEO. “We are excited to continue to increase support for deserving students through scholarships, and we are honored to carry out the wishes of our fundholders with a passion for the education of tomorrow’s leaders.”

Scholarships are increasingly important for students seeking higher education. According to the Institute for College Access and Success, 66 percent of all 2015 graduates of Iowa colleges and universities had student loan debt averaging $29,547. Student debt in the U.S. is currently over $1 trillion, second only to mortgage debt.

“The ever-growing cost of higher education continues to be a barrier for youth, making scholarships more important than ever,” said Englin. “These scholarships established by generous donors have become, and will continue to be, a critical resource for students.”

CFNEIA scholarship awards vary in size from $250 to $60,000 and are awarded based on various criteria, including, but not limited to, academic excellence, financial need, for pursuing certain careers or majors, past experiences, location or high school attended.

The 2017 scholarship application process opens on January 10. Scholarship opportunities can be found on the CFNEIA website at cfneia.org/scholarships.

For more information on CFNEIA’s scholarship program, contact Tom Wickersham, Program Director, at (319) 243-1356.