New and renewal funding will support scholarship access, financial aid planning, and FAFSA completion.

HIAWATHA, IA— ICAN is announcing a second year of Step 1 School Grants to help Iowa high schools connect students with scholarships, strengthen financial aid support, and increase completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

This year, new grants are available to all Iowa high schools, regardless of enrollment size. ICAN will award up to 25 new grants of $2,000 per school. Applications open Wednesday, October 7, 2026.

The grants support increased use of Step 1 Scholarship Search, a free scholarship database built for Iowa students. The platform connects students and families with local, regional, and national scholarship opportunities and is available at no cost to schools or students.

By supporting school efforts to make scholarship searches and financial aid planning part of students’ next steps, the grant program aims to help more Iowa families identify funding opportunities for education after high school.

Renewal Funding for Returning Schools

ICAN will also offer renewal grants to schools that received a Year 1 grant. Up to 10 renewal grants will be awarded for the 2027 calendar year, with schools eligible to request up to $2,000.

The renewal application opens January 1, 2027. Year 1 recipients may also apply as part of their grant report in December 2026.

Both new and renewal grants focus on increasing student use of the Step 1 Scholarship database, expanding financial aid support, and increasing FAFSA completion.

Grant Information Session Scheduled for October 2

School counselors and other school representatives can learn about both opportunities during a virtual grant information session on Friday, October 2, at 10 a.m. The session will cover the grant opportunities and application process and will be recorded for those unable to attend.

To explore Step 1 Scholarship Search, visit www.Step1Scholarships.org.

About ICAN

ICAN is a nonprofit, educational organization. ICAN is the College Access Network for Iowa, and a member of the National College Access Network (NCAN). ICAN has locations in Ankeny, Bettendorf, Cedar Falls, Cedar Rapids, Council Bluffs, Des Moines, Iowa City, and Sioux City, which provide programming and advising support to students and their families as they plan for education and training after high school. All ICAN programs and services are provided without charge. For more information about ICAN, call (877) 272-4692 or visit www.ICANsucceed.org.