News & Events

“Being a Bright scholar gave me the opportunity to experience college as a first-generation college student without the burden of worrying about how I was going to pay for my education. It also gave me the freedom to be very involved in campus activities that rewarded me with experience but would not have paid my rent.”

BRIGHT ALUM ZACHARY YOUMANS TO RELEASE BOOK ON NOVEMBER 25

Teaching Mathematics at a Technical College is Zachary Youmans first book to be published after graduating from the University of Northern Iowa in 2018, and from Utah State University in 2020.

“Being a Bright Scholar means that I am able to achieve the dreams of my parents and their parents, and thrive while doing so – not struggle or merely survive. I am afforded the opportunities to not only get an education, but to make friends, join leadership teams, volunteer, and save for graduate school. Being a Bright Scholar means I have the honor of carrying on the legacy of Lois and Dale.”

“I was able to complete all four years of college straight through without having to worry about taking time off to work to pay down student loans. I only worked part time to gain experience, which allowed me to make classes my priority. I was also able to spend time volunteering instead of working because I was not stressed about my bills.”

“The scholarship provided me with financial peace of mind, allowing me to dedicate myself to my education and get both a major and minor within four years. I also have the Bright Foundation to thank for the internship I had between my junior and senior year, which turned into my full-time position. Without the scholarship, I would never have had the resources and experience necessary to launch my career in marketing analytics."

Meet Leah, our newest Director of Scholar Engagement! Leah is excited to work with each scholar to help them navigate their college experience. Hear more about her role by reading her full interview!

The Bright Foundation is excited to announce the 2022 Bright Scholars of Iowa Scholarship Recipients. 

“The most valuable part of my experience as a Bright Scholar was the opportunity to establish relationships with everyone connected to the Bright Foundation. Being able to work with them to give back made a lasting impact on me that continues to this day.”

“This scholarship allowed me to accept admission to veterinary school without the accruing interest of undergraduate loans that probably would have prevented me from pursuing my life long goal of becoming a veterinarian.”

“The most valuable part of my experience as a Bright Scholar was forming friendships with other scholarship recipients and understanding their stories.”

“My biggest accomplishment has been getting into nursing school at the University of Iowa. It’s one of the best nursing schools in the country and has a competitive admission process. I was admitted a semester early, which made it feel like all of the hard work and sacrifices I’ve made along the way were worth it.”

“ Being a Bright Scholar means always looking for opportunities and never taking for granted what has been given to me. The scholarship has motivated me to have a positive impact on the world by paying forward the great opportunity given to me by the Bright Foundation.”