Students Receive $6,000 Scholarships
Des Moines, IA., April 25, 2008 - Today, the Iowa College Student Aid Commission (Commission) announced the 2008-2009 Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholars. This prestigious scholarship program rewards students who demonstrate the highest levels of leadership and academic achievement. Seventy-one scholars have been selected from 227 applicants. In addition to other outstanding credentials, the scholars rank in the top two percent of their high school class, average 33 on the ACT exam and 2190 on the SAT exam, and have an average grade point average of 3.99 (based on a 4.00 scale). A list of scholars is available from the Commission’s website at: http://www.iowacollegeaid.gov/docs/file/spotlight/2008ByrdRecipients.pdf.
Scholars receive annual awards of $1,500 that are renewable for up to four years ($6,000 total). Renewal of the award is contingent upon federal funding and the student’s continued academic performance. Scholars may attend any accredited college or university in the country.
About the Robert C. Byrd Scholarship
The Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship is a federally-funded program. The Iowa Department of Education is designated to ensure qualified Iowa students receive the scholastic awards and collaborates with the Iowa College Student Aid Commission (Commission) for administration assistance. The Commission’s working relationship with high school guidance counselors, as well as college and university administrators, provide a supportive framework for the annual Byrd Scholarship competition. Scholars compete for the top honors by submitting applications that support superior academic credentials, leadership qualities, and service records. To apply, an Iowa high school senior must be in the top 10 percent of his or her graduation class, obtain a minimum score of 28 on the ACT or 1860 on the SAT exam, earn a minimum grade point average of 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale), an must have taken rigorous coursework outlined in the application. Applications are reviewed, and scholars selected, by a panel of academic officials.
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About the Iowa College Student Aid Commission
As the state’s designated guaranty agency for the Family Federal Education Loan Program (FFELP), the Commission guarantees more than $526 million annually in student loans from private lenders to support over 79,000 Iowa students. In addition, the Commission administers state scholarship, grant, and loan forgiveness programs, provides borrowers with assistance to avoid the serious consequences of default, conducts research and distributes higher education data, and offers Iowans assistance in obtaining student financial aid and college-related information. More information is available at www.IowaCollegeAid.gov.
Posted 04/28/08 to www.NASFAA.org. Posting of press releases is done as a service to Members and does not imply endorsement or support by NASFAA. NASFAA does not review this information for content or accuracy.
