2027 Conservation Scholarships

RULES

Introduction

The Conservation Districts of Iowa (CDI), in partnership with local Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs), is proud to support the higher education goals of Iowa students who are passionate about conservation and agriculture.

High school seniors graduating in Iowa’s Class of 2027 who plan to pursue a program of study in any field related to conservation or agriculture are eligible to apply for the CDI Conservation Scholarship.

While a wide range of studies qualify, preference will be given to students pursuing degrees directly related to conservation and/or agriculture. Scholarship funds must be used toward the recipient’s first year of college education.

2027 Application & Instructions

Please note: The 2027 scholarship application form has been updated.
Previous versions will not be accepted.

Applicants should read and follow all instructions carefully, as incomplete or incorrectly filled-out applications will be disqualified. Pay close attention to submission deadlines—late applications will not be considered.

The official application form is available here: 2027 Conservation Scholarship Application

The rules document is available here: 2027 Rules for Conservation Scholarships

Application Process & Deadlines

  • November 2026: Participating SWCDs begin promoting the 2026 Conservation Scholarship.
  • Friday, February 5, 2027: Applicants must submit completed applications to their county SWCD office (based on county of residence). To find your local office, visit the USDA Service Center Locator and select your county on the map.
  • Friday, March 12, 2027: Each SWCD selects one county winner to forward to their CDI Regional Director.
  • Friday, March 26, 2027: The Regional Director selects one regional winner to advance to the state-level competition.
  • Friday, April 2, 2027: A panel of CDI Officers and members of the CDI Scholarship Committee reviews regional finalists and selects state winners.
  • Friday, April 30, 2027: CDI notifies local SWCD offices of the winning applicants. Local offices will then contact the student, their school, and local media with results.

No applications will be considered if submitted after these deadlines.

Awards

Following the final selection process, the top three state-level scholarships will be awarded as follows:

  • 1st Place:  $3,000
  • 2nd Place: $2,000
  • 3rd Place:  $1,000

Winners from the remaining six CDI regions will each receive a $500 regional scholarship.

Payment Details:

  • The top three state awards will be paid directly to the recipient’s college or university in two equal installments: one at enrollment and one at midterm.
  • Regional awards ($500) will be paid in one installment directly to the recipient’s school.

Selection Criteria

Scholarship applications will be evaluated based on the following:

  • Involvement, Leadership & Character – 20 points
  • Career Choice – 20 points
  • Scholastic Achievement – 30 points
  • Conservation Message – 30 points

Downloads

2027 Conservation Scholarship Application

2027 Rules for Conservation Scholarships

 

Congratulations to the 2026 Scholarship Winners!

1st Place – Vella Batdorf, Scott SWCD, Region 7, $3,000

2nd Place – Lily Moeller, Sioux SWCD, Region 1, $2,000

3rd Place – Cole Kastner, Crawford SWCD, Region 5, $1,000

 

Our 2026 Regional Winners – With an award of $500/Scholarship

CDI Region 2 – Tucker Freese, Sac SWCD

CDI Region 3 – Bree Balk, Chickasaw SWCD

CDI Region 4 – Mae Weidemeier, Fayette SWCD

CDI Region 6 — Henderson Gustafson, Boone SWCD

CDI Region 8 — Cael Hogan, Adams SWCD

CDI Region 9 — Culee Smith, Davis SWCD