Maquoketa Valley Dollars for Scholars

MVDFS was founded in 1999 with a goal of encouraging students to continue their education by providing financial support in the form of local scholarships. It is operated locally by volunteers and is affiliated nationally with Scholarship America. Through the endowed Scholarships and the many Direct Scholarships awarded each year, EVERY student who applies is awarded normally 3-5 scholarships each year to graduating MV students for use in furthering their education. Since establishment, over $2 million in scholarships has been awarded to over one thousand graduating seniors. Because these awards are from Dollars for Scholars, most colleges or universities do not reduce student aid dollars by the scholarship amount. In some cases, the scholarship will receive partial or full matching funds.

In 2025, MVDFS announced a new funding option for donors: the MV Dollars for Scholars Continuing Scholars Fund. This fund, inspired by the Arvin Cooper Memorial, will support qualifying students in subsequent college years (year 2 up to year 4). 

Testimonials

"Thank you for all of your time, effort, hard work and dedication that made it possible for me to receive two scholarships. This financial support will help immensely at UNI. Thank you for helping me achieve my dreams!" - Sienna Becker

"This money will help me out as I go to Kirkwood to become a lab tech. I couldn't thank you enough for all you do for us kids." - Brooke Snyder

"This scholarship will help as I go to Mount Mercy for nursing. Thanks for all you do to help put this program together and help the future generations to achieve their dreams." - Kelsey Snyder

“[These scholarships] mean so much and I am so lucky to grow up in a community that cares so much about each other.” - Jordan Hatfield