About STARS
STARS scholarship program was created in 1997, is an Iowa West Foundation initiative that supports nontraditional students who are parents and/or custodial grandparents who reside in Pottawattamie County and are pursuing a professional license or certificate, or an associate or bachelor’s degree at an accredited school, college or university
Our Mission
This program is designed to remove financial barriers and provide a scholarship that can be utilized for direct and indirect expenses, including but not limited to tuition, fees, books, childcare, and living expenses.
STARS also provides programming that is intended to develop self-advocacy, personal and professional growth and in return scholars become more self-reliant, positively impacting the Pottawattamie County higher education attainment rate, seeking their second credential and improving the quality of life of those families for generations.
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Hear From Our Scholars
Tara Kerns, a STARS scholar from 2016-2019, upon enrollment Tara was a tutor at Iowa Western Community College helping other students become successful with their academics. Tara's biggest challenge was how would she attend classes full-time and have the means to pay for child care.
Tara says, "Child care was such a large expense that without the help of STARS, I would have not been able to attend classes full-time." Tara also felt that she could reach out to the staff at anytime she needed a listening ear or guidance on her next steps after graduation. "STARS was there whether it was when I needed help with a flat tire or purchasing a roller backpack for classes. "I loved all the support it was above and beyond, it really felt like an extension of family," says Tara.
Tara is now a Registered Dental Hygienist at Bluffs Family Dentistry
Samantha Lee, a STARS scholar from 2014-2018, during which time she completed both her associate's and bachelor's degrees. Upon enrollment Samantha was a single mom and working at a local childcare provider earning $11.00/hr."Samantha says, " STARS was more than a financial support, it helped guide me when I veered off my path, empowered me when I had anxiety about student teaching and gave me someone to talk with when I needed it most, I am grateful to have had the opportunity to be a STARS scholar, it truly is one of the reasons I was able to purchase my own home." Samantha is now a teacher within the Council Bluffs Community Schools District and working towards her Masters Degree in Special Education.
