The Earn, Learn, GROW® Student Employee Scholarship was established by the Division of Student Life and is supported by the generosity of faculty, staff, parents, alumni, and community members to help student employees with financial need.

  • This non-renewable scholarship to pay educational expenses is applied to a student’s university bill. Five scholarships of up to $2,000 per student are awarded each year. 
  • Any student employee, within the Division of Student Life, who meets the eligibility and criteria may apply. 
  • Applications are submitted throughout the month of April. Applications are processed and students are selected and notified of award status in May. Awards are applied to the university bill in August or September of the following.
  • All student employees within the Division of Student Life engage in regular Iowa GROW® conversations with their supervisor. Iowa GROW (Guided Reflection on Work) is a nationally acclaimed learning framework that helps student employees make meaningful connections between learning in the classroom and learning on the job.

Earn, Learn, GROW® Student Employee Scholarship Criteria and Eligibility

  • Must be a current student employee in any area of the Division of Student Life.
    • Employed for a minimum of two semesters.
    • Can be two non-consecutive semesters.
    • One semester can be the spring semester during the application period.
  • Must be an undergraduate student returning for coursework in the subsequent fall semester, individuals are selected in the spring, and the scholarship is applied to a student's U-bill in the fall semester. 
  • Awarded to students with the most financial need as determined by the Office of Student Financial Aid
  • Must have a 3.0 cumulative GPA. 
  • Must be in good academic and non-academic standing. 
  • Provide a 250-word narrative around any of the following questions. 
    • How does your job in Student Life fit in with your academics and what are you learning in class that you can apply while working? What are learning at work that can help you academically? 
    • Please provide a couple of examples of things you’ve learned in your Student Life job, that you think you’ll use in your chosen profession?
    • Why do you enjoy working in Student Life? 
  • Student employees may receive the scholarship once during their time employed in Student Life and while enrolled at the UI. 
  • The Division of Student Life is composed of seven departments and twenty-four units. Each area offers a diverse skillset unique to their area and the broad skills needed to succeed after college.
    • Belonging & Inclusion
    • Iowa Memorial Union
    • Office of the Dean of Students
    • Recreational Services
    • Student Health
    • University Counseling Service 
    • University Housing and Dining

If student applicants have questions regarding eligibility or want to check their employment status, they may email vp-student-life@uiowa.edu.

Support the program

Your support of the Learn, Earn, GROW® program will not only provide students with important job skills, but also a jump start to feeling a sense of belonging at the University of Iowa. By contributing to this program, you are investing in the success of our students and the future of our workforce. Thank you for considering supporting this vital program.

Support Earn, Learn, G.R.O.W.®