Frequently Asked Questions

Who qualifies for a Matthew Shepard Scholarship?

Iowa's  Matthew Shepard Scholarship Program works with highly motivated students who are interested in advice and assistance from adult mentors to accelerate their academic experience and performance, improve their adjustment to professional standards of behavior, goals, ethics and success and out-perform their age group in transitioning to adult leadership roles. Scholarship awards are based on academic aptitude, academic achievement, community service and financial need.

Can graduate and post-graduate students apply?

No. applicants must be graduating Iowa high school students.

Are students intending to attend a community college eligible to apply?

Yes, students intending on attending a community college will be considered for Silver Eagle Scholarships.

Are online degree-seeking candidates eligible to apply?

No, the Eychaner Foundation does not provide support for degrees that are obtained online.

What expenses does Iowa's Matthew Shepard Scholarship include?

Iowa's Gold Matthew Shepard Scholarship award covers a variety of expenses such as tuition, books, fees up to $35,000 over 4 years, but does not cover room and board. Iowa's Silver Matthew Shepard Scholarship is an initial award of $500 that may be used for tuition, books or fees worth up to $7,000 over 4 years.

How can I apply for the upcoming school year?

The Eychaner Foundation’s 2010 online scholarship award application will become available on January 1, 2010 and must be submitted with all supplemental materials by 11:59 pm CST on March 31, 2010.

Do application deadlines change?

No, the Eychaner Foundation's application deadline is 11:59pm CST on March 31, 2010.

May I review the application before applying?

Yes, we highly recommend a thorough review of the previous year’s application beforehand. An example of last year’s application may be read at any time at http://www.eychanerfoundation.org/scholarships/2009application.pdf.

I would like to apply for a scholarship to study in spring of 2010. May I submit an application now?

No, scholarship awards for spring of 2010 are not available. Only applicants starting in the fall of 2010 or spring of 2011 are eligible to apply for a 2010 Matthew Shepard Scholarship.

If I do not have regular access to the Internet, may I send in a paper application?

Yes, applications may be submitted via mail. A pdf version of the application will be available January 1, 2010. Applicants are strongly encouraged to obtain an e-mail address and check it regularly to facilitate quick and efficient communication.

How will I know if the Eychaner Foundation received my application?

The Eychaner Foundation’s online application system automatically sends each applicant a confirmation e-mail when their online application is received. Applicants mailing offline applications will also receive an email when their application is received.

Where can I learn more about the Eychaner Foundation?

Please review the Eychaner Foundation's website for additional information regarding the Foundation. If you have additional questions, please contact Michael Bowser by clicking This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Do I need to identify as part of the LGBT community to apply?

Yes, it is required that you identify as LGBT to have your application considered. Scholarships are typically awarded to students with a history of leadership with issues that affect the LGBT community.

Will I be expected to reveal this identification to the public?

Matthew Shepard Scholarships are awarded to students who are out and proud and have worked to improve circumstances for the LGBT Community. Successful applicants will be required to attend a photo shoot and submit a biography for our website, statewide media, press releases and as well as be available for interviews.

If I become a Matthew Shepard Scholar what are the expectations?

Iowa's Matthew Shepard Scholars sign a Code of Conduct that affirms Matthew Shepard Scholarships are awarded to students with a reputation for honesty, integrity and community service, who respect themselves and others and who conduct themselves in such a way as to demonstrate moral and ethical leadership in their own lives and inspire others in kind. Scholarship recipients are required to provide the Eychaner Foundation with their official transcript and maintain at least a 3.0 GPA every semester.

If my career goals are not exclusively focused on the LGBT community may I still apply?

Yes, the Eychaner Foundation selects scholars whom it believes have made a contribution to the LGBT community and will continue to do so in the future. Some scholars will choose a career that focuses on the LGBT community and others will use their skills and influence to support the community, while not working full-time on LGBT issues. Talent and a drive to contribute are key characteristics of Matthew Shepard Scholars. We welcomes accomplished scholars in all fields.

If I apply and am not selected as a Matthew Shepard Scholar, may I reapply?

No, applicants may only apply during their senior (or final) year of high school.

Whom do I contact regarding either application questions or concerns?

Questions or concerns may be sent to Michael Bowser by e-mail by clicking This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

When are applicants notified regarding their application status?

Each person who submits an online application will automatically receive a confirmation e-mail.

Each person who is selected to be a finalist is personally notified by the Eychaner Foundation by e-mail and/or phone by April 15th and is required to attend an in-person interview with members of the Scholarship Committee in Des Moines, Iowa on April 17 or 24, 2009. Applicants should keep both dates open. Each finalist who is awarded a Matthew Shepard Scholarship is personally notified by phone in late April.

I am not sure that I have financial need, but I am confident that I have many of the other strengths (academic aptitude, academic achievement and community service). Should I still apply?

Short answer: Yes, you should apply. Long answer: the Matthew Shepard Scholarship Committee weighs all facets of each person’s application. Academic aptitude, academic achievement, community service and financial need are all considered. The Eychaner Foundation supports scholars who have a variety of needs and who demonstrate a record of accomplishment and high achievement.

Will I need to submit any supplemental financial information?

Yes, Applicants are required to submit supplemental financial information (please refer to the Mailing-Required Supplemental Material section).

If I receive a Matthew Shepard Scholarship, do I have to pay back the financial assistance provided to me?

No, Iowa's Matthew Shepard Scholarships are not loans. They may be discontinued for code of conduct reasons or lack of adequate academic progress.

Are the Eychaner Foundation's scholarship awards granted to any specific geographic regions?

Iowa's Gold Matthew Shepard Scholarship Awards are awarded to one of Iowa's three state universities. Silver Matthew Shepard Scholarships may be used at any college or university in the United States.

May I fax my application?

Yes, faxed applications are accepted, however an original official high school transcript and your certification page must be mailed. For more information please see information about supplemental materials.

What happens if a teacher has not submitted a recommendation letter before the supplementary submission deadline?

All accompanying materials must be submitted by the deadline of March 31, 2010. It is each applicant’s responsibility to follow up with their references or educational institution to insure that all the supplementary documents are received by the Eychaner Foundation on time.

What happens if I forget my password and username?

Go to the login page and follow instructions. If you are still unable to login, then contact, Michael Bowser by e-mail by clicking This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Will the Eychaner Foundation let me know if you received my supplemental materials?

Yes, applicants will receive a confirmation email when materials are received by the scholarship office.

Is it advantageous to submit my application early?

Early applications are always appreciated. Each application submitted by the deadline at 11:59 pm CST on March 31, 2010 will be evaluated equally by the Scholarship Committee.