Every year, Hawkeyes from around the world join in supporting UI programs and services during One Day for Iowa. One Day for Iowa is the University’s 24-hour day of online giving, organized by the University of Iowa Center for Advancement.

Last year, more than 3,000 Hawkeyes contributed over 1.1 million dollars. A portion of this support went to the well-being programs and initiatives in the Division of Student Life. Specifically, the funding supported University Counseling Service, the Student Support and Crisis Line, skill-building programs, the Food Pantry and the Student Life Emergency Fund.

This year's One Day for Iowa takes place on Wednesday, March 29th. Donors can elect to donate to a variety of areas around the university. This year, gifts to the Division of Student Life will support student employment and professional development through the Earn, Learn, GROW ® (Guided Reflection on Work) program. Iowa GROW ® is a nationally acclaimed learning framework developed at UI and used at over 200 institutions.

The program consists of a paid campus job in areas of most interest for professional development, and a mentor-supervisor who agrees to support student learning within and beyond the workplace. Additionally, a scholarship between $1,000 - $4,000 is provided to help students bridge need gaps. Finally, the student will participate in regular Iowa GROW® conversations with their supervisor-mentor. In addition to learning, the combined scholarship and student job create significant financial support for the nearly 5,000 Iowa undergraduates who have an average of $11,000 in unmet financial need.

Sarah Hansen, Vice President of Student Life, emphasizes the importance of student employment. “It may surprise people to know that having a campus job is huge booster of student retention. Students employed on campus are retained at much higher rates than those that are not. In the Division of Student Life, we specialize in high-impact student jobs that really teach transferrable skills, including problem solving, effective communication, and teamwork.” Hansen said.

Hansen is grateful for the donations and finds that the reason so many choose to give is a result of their own college experience. “As I travel around the country, I am so gratified to meet with alumni, friends, and fans who have wonderful memories of the University of Iowa and how it has enriched their lives. We are so thankful that so many want to reach out and give back.”

You can support Earn, Learn, G.R.O.W. at this page or learn more here.