James B. Morris Scholarship

Welcome to James B. Morris Scholarship Fund application. The James B. Morris Scholarship Fund (MSF) provides financial assistance, motivation and opportunities for minority students pursuing post-secondary and graduate degrees. The MSF provides this assistance to high-achieving minority individuals who demonstrate strong academic performance, community service and a need for financial aid. The MSF provides minority students with an opportunity to learn, grow, and become professionals in their chosen careers while assisting Iowa communities with the retention of a diverse pool of talent.

The MSF facilitates various named scholarships that have specific criteria. Below you will find a description of those named scholarships.

Anne C. Chapman Scholarship  The scholarship is in memory of Anne M. Chapman, wife of MSF founder, Vincent Chapman, Sr. This scholarship will ideally benefit a minority student in the field of nursing, including public administration.

Brittany Hall Memorial Scholarship – The scholarship is named in memory of Brittany Hall and was created to honor the value that Brittany placed on her college education. This scholarship will ideally benefit a female minority student who is an Iowa resident and attending a college or university in the state of Iowa. Special consideration will be given to applicants that are challenged by learning disabilities or a chronic illness.

Catherine G. Williams Memorial Scholarship – The scholarship gives priority to high-achieving minority college students majoring in Fine Arts. Mrs. Williams was a charter member of the board of directors for the fund in 1978 and became its second president in 1981.

EMC Insurance Companies Scholarship – The scholarships focus on high-achieving minority high school seniors who will be graduating from an Iowa high school.

John & Mary Pappajohn Scholarship – The scholarship focuses on high-achieving minority students with a financial need. There are no restrictions on the college major or Iowa choice of college.

EDJ Scholarship – The EDJ Scholarship will be awarded to an African American college student in any field of study enrolled at an accredited, not-for-profit, two- or four-year institution.

Vincent C. Chapman, Sr. Scholarship – The scholarship is in memory of MSF founder, Vincent Chapman, Sr. This scholarship is to be given to highly motivated and performing minority students ideally majoring in the areas of business, finance, and/or public policy.

APPLICATION & INSTRUCTIONS:

Eligibility Criteria:

Applicants must be a minority ethnic status as defined by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission† and have a minimum 2.75 G.P.A. All applicants must be U.S. Citizens and have a valid Social Security number in addition to being: (1) Iowa high school graduate or (2) a 2026 graduate and an Iowa resident who is or will be attending any U.S. college or university; or (3) Non-Iowa residents who are attending Iowa colleges or universities.

To be eligible for this scholarship, applicants must identify their ethnic minority status according to the original EEOC. For more information, you may visit: https://www.eeoc.gov

To be considered for this scholarship, applicants must submit all of the following materials:

1. Official Transcript

• A current official academic transcript from your school.
  • High school transcripts (graduating high school seniors only)
  • College transcripts (most recent semester only)
• Must reflect your most recent academic performance.

2. Two (2) Letters of Recommendation

• One (1) letter from an educational professional (e.g., instructor, advisor, school counselor, teacher);
• One (1) letter from a non-academic reference (e.g., employer, mentor, coach, volunteer supervisor).

IMPORTANT MESSAGE: Letters cannot be written by family members or peers.

3. Personal Statement

• Submit a personal statement that includes: Extracurricular activities, Community service involvement, and your role in supporting and enriching your school and community. Be honest, reflective, and highlight your personal growth.

4. Essay (500–750 words)

• Respond to the following prompt:
  • "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela
• Describe a change you would like to make in the world.
• Explain how you would plan to make that change, and what obstacles you might encounter along the way.
• Requirements:
  • 500–750 words in length,
  • Include the word count total at the end of your essay

5. Completed Application Form

• Fill out all required sections of the official scholarship application.
• Ensure all information is accurate and up to date.

6. Recent Photograph

• Submit a professional, head-and-shoulders Selfies are not accepted.

7. Zoom Interview (Required)

• Participate in a required Zoom interview as part of the selection process.
• Interview details and schedule will be provided after application review.

8. Written Expression of Gratitude (if awarded)

• If selected as a scholarship recipient, you will be required to submit a heartfelt written thank-you letter. This message may be publicly displayed by the scholarship organization.

NOTE:

Official PDF Transcript request: Please do not send links for us to download transcripts on your behalf. You must request your official transcript directly from your institution, listing yourself as the recipient. Once you have received your official PDF transcript (including your current cumulative GPA as of Fall 2025), you may either: upload the PDF version with your application, or email it directly to us at jbmorrisscholars@gmail.com.

You may download a PDF copy of the application online.

Instructions:

You will need to complete this application in its entirety. Include with your application the criteria listed above. All documents must be received on or before the application deadline: February 2026.