Iowa Physician Assistant Society Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Iowa Physician Assistant Society

Description The IPAS scholarship supports Physician Assistant (PA) students enrolled in approved in-state programs who are members of the Iowa Academy of Physician Assistants (IPAS). It is intended to recognize academic achievement, leadership, involvement, and commitment to the PA profession. Applications are reviewed by a Scholarship Committee that uses a point-based evaluation to select recipients. The program is designed to help defray educational expenses and to encourage engagement in PA professional activities.

• Purpose:

Financial support and professional encouragement for Iowa PA students.

• Target recipients:

Students enrolled in approved in-state PA programs who hold IPAS membership.

• Review:

Applications evaluated by an IPAS Scholarship Committee using a points system.

Eligibility Eligibility is limited to students who meet program enrollment and membership requirements. Applicants must be currently enrolled in an approved in-state PA program and must be a current member of IPAS at the time of application. Meeting these baseline requirements is mandatory before application materials are considered. Specific award distribution rules (see Award Value & Distribution) determine how many students from each program may receive funding.

• Enrollment requirement:

Currently enrolled in an approved in-state PA program.

• Membership requirement:

Must be an active IPAS member when applying.

• Baseline only:

Meeting eligibility does not guarantee selection; applications are competitively reviewed.

Award Value & Distribution Each scholarship award is set at $1,000 per recipient. Award distribution is limited so that no more than one student from each Iowa PA program receives a scholarship in a given award cycle. The Scholarship Committee determines final recipients after evaluating all eligible applications. Funds are intended to assist with educational expenses and may be disbursed according to IPAS administrative procedures.

• Award amount: $1,000 per scholarship.
• Distribution rule:

Maximum of one scholarship awarded to a single Iowa PA program per cycle.

• Selection authority:

Final awards made by the IPAS Scholarship Committee.

Application Materials Applicants must submit a complete packet that verifies academic standing and supports the committee’s assessment of qualifications. Required materials include a completed scholarship application form, official transcripts from previous college/university work, a one-page personal narrative, and a signed Verification of Academic Standing form from a PA program representative. Incomplete packets may be disqualified or receive lower priority during review.

• Completed form:

A filled scholarship application is required.

• Academic records:

Photocopy of official transcript(s) from prior college/university work.

• Personal statement:

One-page narrative describing relevant experiences, hardships overcome, or reasons for pursuing the PA profession.

• Program verification:

Signed Verification of Academic Standing by a PA program representative.

Scoring Criteria Applications are evaluated with a total-point system that measures multiple aspects of the applicant’s qualifications. The committee assesses leadership, academic achievement, understanding of the PA role, involvement in relevant organizations, and other intangible qualities. Each criterion contributes to the applicant’s overall score; the highest-scoring applicants are selected for awards. The scoring framework is intended to balance academic record with professional commitment and community engagement.

• Leadership:

Demonstrated leadership in school, clinical or community activities.

• Academic achievement:

Transcripts, GPA, and prior degrees are considered.

• Understanding of the PA concept:

Evidence of drive, motivation, and dedication to the PA profession.

• Involvement:

Participation and commitment to student, civic, or professional organizations.

• Other:

Intangibles such as resilience, professionalism, or unique circumstances.

Application Process & Timeline Applications are accepted according to IPAS’s annual schedule; applicants should confirm current deadlines and submission instructions with IPAS or their PA program. After the submission deadline, the Scholarship Committee reviews packets, scores applicants using the point system, and selects recipients. Applicants are typically notified by IPAS of award decisions following committee review; specific notification dates vary each year. If you have questions about deadlines or submission formats, contact IPAS directly or consult your PA program coordinator.

• Frequency:

Scholarships follow an annual award cycle (confirm current year dates with IPAS).

• Review flow:

Committee review → point scoring → recipient selection → notification.

• Action item:

Verify current deadlines and submission method with IPAS or your program.

History & Administration The scholarship program is an IPAS-administered initiative focused on supporting PA students within Iowa’s in-state programs. IPAS oversees application administration, committee review, and award disbursement according to its governance and scholarship policies. For official rules, recent updates, or questions about past awards, contact IPAS or review their scholarship documentation. Program leadership and administrative procedures may change, so always refer to IPAS as the authoritative source.

• Administered by:

Iowa Academy of Physician Assistants (IPAS).

• Scope:

Designed specifically for students in approved in-state PA programs.

• Authoritative source:

Refer to IPAS for current rules, deadlines, and program changes.