$6.6M Commitment Creates John
Deere Scholarship Program
MOLINE,
Ill., June 3, 2024 /CNW/ -- A groundbreaking
partnership between the John Deere Foundation, the University of Iowa (UI), and the Davenport Community School District (DCSD)
will soon increase access to higher education for Iowa high school students.
The John Deere Foundation will give $6.6
million over six years to create the John Deere Scholars
Program, a program based on financial need that will help Davenport
Community High School students get ready for college at
Iowa.
"We believe education is the foundation for success," said
Mara Downing, president of the John
Deere Foundation. "By investing in our community, John Deere is
also investing in opportunities for the leaders of tomorrow. We are
excited to begin the John Deere Scholars Program and watch these
future leaders achieve their dreams."
The program will start this fall with college readiness courses
for seniors from low- to middle-income families at Davenport
Central, North, West, and Mid City high schools. UI will appoint a
local program director to work with school counselors to teach the
courses, provide training to improve leadership skills, and assist
students with the financial aid and admissions process.
Then, starting in spring 2025, the program will give 20
scholarships per year for three years (60 in total), paying 90% of
the total cost to attend Iowa. The
remaining 10% will be paid by other funding sources, such as
work-study. The first cohort of students will enroll at
Iowa in the fall of 2025. Any
student participating in college readiness courses through the
program will be able to apply for a scholarship.
"John Deere is leading by example, showcasing how a large
company can partner with a university and a public school district
to address workforce needs," said Barbara
J. Wilson, president of the University
of Iowa. "This is a game-changer not only for the students
who will receive the education and leadership experiences they need
to succeed in a global society, but also for how we develop
pipeline programs in the future."
"This partnership will provide a tremendous opportunity for our
students," said TJ Schneckloth, superintendent of the Davenport Community School District. "Our
district is committed to preparing our students for their
post-secondary education. The John Deere Scholars Program offers a
generation changing opportunity for our students to receive the
college education they might never have thought was possible."
In addition to receiving academic, financial, and social
support, scholarship recipients also will take part in specialized
leadership training. This includes mentorship programs, field
experience, and networking in the student's field of study.
About Deere & Company
Deere & Company (www.JohnDeere.com) is a global
leader in the delivery of agricultural, turf, construction, and
forestry equipment. We help our customers push the boundaries of
what's possible in ways that are more productive and sustainable to
help life leap forward. Our technology-enabled products including
John Deere Autonomous 8R Tractor, See & Spray™, and
E-Power Backhoe are just some of the ways we help meet the world's
increasing need for food, shelter, and infrastructure. Deere &
Company also provides financial services through John Deere
Financial.
For more information on Deere & Company, visit us
at www.deere.com/en/news/.
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SOURCE John Deere Company