2026 Scholarship Applications Now Open

Apr 2, 2026

Applications are now open for the Larry W. Carter and Mary E. Wood scholarships. This year, we are also introducing the Teree Caldwell-Johnson Servant Leader Scholarship. All applications are due May 1. Any eligible students seeking support for higher education are encouraged to apply.

Larry W. Carter Scholarship

The Larry W. Carter Scholarship is available to any Iowa resident enrolled in a full or part-time college program, at either the undergraduate or graduate level. The purpose of this scholarship is to encourage students of color to pursue higher education and therefore preference will be given to Black students.

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Mary E. Wood Scholarship

The purpose of the Mary E. Wood Scholarship is to assist students in financing their education at a university, college or trade school. While applications are open to all students, the program is intended to encourage students of color to pursue higher education and therefore preference will be given to Black students.

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Teree Caldwell-Johnson Servant Leader Scholarship

This new scholarship is in memory of Teree Caldwell-Johnson, who served as the president and CEO of Oakridge Neighborhood Services and as a school board member for Des Moines Public Schools (DMPS). It is available to DMPS graduates and graduating seniors who are pursuing additional education. This scholarship is intended to support underserved student populations and will provide special consideration for students who have lived at or participated in programming through the Oakridge Neighborhood.

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