2025 Iowa Communications Alliance Scholarship Opportunities

Our mission is to assist students from rural areas across Iowa with financial assistance to pursue higher education and to stay in rural Iowa after graduation. 

The Iowa Communications Alliance is pleased to announce the availability of two $2,500 college scholarships.  Our mission is to assist students from rural areas across Iowa with financial assistance to pursue higher education and to stay in rural Iowa after graduation.

Congratulations to the 2025 ICA Scholarship Recipients!

Left photo:  Jill Madsen, Marne Elk Horn COO, Jimmy McCarthy, Marne Elk Horn Technician, Scholarship Recipient Irelynd McCarthy of Exira-Elk Horn-Kimballton High School, Kim Steffen, ICA Scholarship Committee Member
Right photo:  Sarah Odgen, Farmers Mutual Communications Customer Experience Manager, Scholarship Rachel Odgen of Moulton-Udell High School, Tammy Wheeler, Farmers Mutual Communications General Manager.  
 

Please note, ICA has eliminated the traditional scholarship program that had previously awarded a scholarship to a student who was a customer of an ICA member telecommunications company.

Next Gen Scholars Program

The Iowa Communications Alliance Next Gen Scholars program was created in response to our member companies need for skilled technicians. This program is available to students planning to pursue either the Network Technology - Telecommunications Certificate or the Network Technology - Telecom/Data Communications AAS Degree.  The process begins with recruitment, followed by an application and approval process. After the candidates are approved, the Iowa Communications Alliance, a sponsoring ICA member company, DMACC, and student split the tuition costs for the program.  The sponsoring company may offer a mentoring program including paid or unpaid internship opportunities while the student attends DMACC.  Successful completion of the DMACC program usually qualifies graduates for an interview at the sponsoring company with a competitive salary and excellent advancement potential, though there is no guarantee of employment. 

Next Gen Scholars Program Benefits
For the Students include:

• Apply real-world skills and experience to classroom instruction
• Receive support for education expenses
• Be considered for full-time employment

For the Sponsoring Company include:

• Access to motivated students who possess a wide range of skills and potential to complete a rigorous academic and experiential curriculum.
• Opportunity to observe students’ skills and work habits for a possible full-time job after graduation.
• Improve the pipeline of skilled workers for employment

Next Steps for Companies:

1. Talk to your local School Counselors.
2. Publicize this program and recruit students in your community.  
1. Click here to download a flyer that you can share with your local schools and high school students.
2. Click here to download a Frequently Asked Questions document to share with students.
3. Contact the Iowa Communications Alliance to let us know of your initial interest.

Download the Next Gen Scholar Application

Submit your application by email to: [email protected]
Or by mail to:   

Iowa Communications Alliance                                                                       

Attn:  Melissa Primus                                                                       

4201 Westown Parkway, Suite 130                                                                       

West Des Moines, IA 50266 

 

In addition to this application, the student must also apply for acceptance to DMACC.