Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has announced the launch of Iowa’s Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM) Student Scholarship Contest, a statewide initiative organized by the Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM) to highlight the contributions of Jewish Americans and inspire the next generation of civic leaders.
The creative scholarship contest, unveiled on Sunday, will award a total of $30,000 to Iowa high school seniors planning to attend a two- or four-year college or university in the state.
“Since the founding of our country, Jewish Americans have made significant contributions to our nation’s culture, economy, and civic life,” Reynolds said in announcing the initiative. “Here in Iowa, our own Jewish community dates back to the 1830s. In every sense, Jewish Iowans have helped build our state into what it is today, leaving a legacy of leadership and service to inspire Iowans for generations to come.”
The competition invites students to reflect on the historical and contemporary impact of Jewish Americans by submitting essays in one of three categories: Jewish Individuals Who Shaped America; Jewish Leadership & Partnership in Advancing Social Causes; and Jewish Ideas and Cultural Contributions to Society.
Entries will be accepted through April 30, with winners to be recognized by Governor Reynolds at an official Jewish American Heritage Month reception in Des Moines in May.
The initiative comes at a time of heightened awareness around antisemitism and the importance of civic education. Organizers say the contest aims not only to celebrate Jewish heritage, but also to strengthen cross-community understanding by encouraging young Iowans to explore the enduring influence of Jewish values, leadership, and innovation in American life.
CAM, a global coalition dedicated to combating antisemitism through education, policy, and cross-sector partnerships, has spearheaded similar initiatives across the United States. A comparable Jewish American Heritage Month scholarship program was launched in Virginia last year, drawing broad bipartisan support and strong student participation.
In Iowa, CAM is partnering with several local and national organizations to implement the program, including the Jewish Federation of Greater Des Moines, the Jewish Federation of the Quad Cities, the Iowa Jewish Historical Society, and the Tikvah Fund.
Jewish American Heritage Month, observed each May, was established at the federal level in 2006 to recognize more than 350 years of Jewish contributions to American society. In Iowa, Jewish communities have been present since the early 19th century, contributing to business, agriculture, public service, philanthropy, education, and the arts.
By engaging students directly through a scholarship competition, organizers hope to connect historical recognition with tangible educational opportunity. The contest also reinforces Iowa’s broader commitment to fostering civic awareness and promoting inclusive narratives about the state’s diverse heritage.
Full details of the scholarship contest, including submission guidelines and eligibility requirements, are available at: jahm.combatantisemitism.org/iowa2026
Applications close April 30.
Learn more about it here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkbv9sWwSVY