The foundation partnered with the Davenport Community School District and the University of Iowa to create the John Deere Scholars Program. It pledged $6.6 million for the need-based program, which will help 60 students prepare and pay for college.
Starting this fall, low to middle-income seniors at Davenport high schools will be able to take college prep courses and receive help with financial aid and admissions.
"People are very excited about this opportunity," says Davenport Community School District Superintendent TJ Schneckloth.
"Anytime a community partner does something like this, it just pours hope into the community. So we're incredibly thankful for this opportunity and we're going to do everything we can to make sure that the connections occur for our students and families."
Next spring, the program will award its first 20 scholarships. It'll pay for 90% of the total cost to attend the University of Iowa. And provide leadership training, plus networking and experience in the student's field of study.
The first of three cohorts of students will enroll at Iowa in the fall of 2025.
