IOWWA Scholarship

The Iowa Onsite Wastewater Association is offering a scholarship to:
1. A high school senior wanting to attend a college or a trade school on a part-time (minimum 6 credit hours per quarter or semester) or full-time basis.  
2. A student attending college or a trade school on a part-time (minimum 6 credit hours per quarter or semester) or full-time basis, planning on continuing their education the following year.

You are eligible if you are a student and an IOWWA member or related to an IOWWA member (primary or associate member) and attending or planning on attending a college or trade school.  Scholarships are awarded one time only per individual. 

A portion of your membership dues, $5.00, goes directly into the scholarship program.  We would also like to thank the following donors for providing $500.00 scholarships for the 2025-2026 Scholarship Program -

All Star Plumbing and Heating
Cam Spray
Headwater Wholesale
Moorman Construction Inc. (two)
Municipal Supply (three)
Premier Tech Water and Environment
Ziegler CAT

NOTE:  The Scholarship Application for the 2026-2027 school year is available for download in the "Documents and Files" listing at the bottom of this page.   Or email  penny@iowwa.com and request a copy of the application.    Scholarship applications should be submitted to IOWWA by April 15, 2026.

1. Completed Application
2. Letters of Recommendation (2) - two letters from a non-relative such as your employer (past or present), educator (teacher or counselor), mentor, who can best articulate your qualities must accompany the scholarship application.
3. School Transcripts
4. Headshot photo of yourself (IOWWA will use for publication, 130 dpi or greater, email with application).

2026-2027 SCHOLARSHIPS

Tanner Downing plans to attend Iowa Lakes Community College to pursue a two-year associate degree in electrical technology, then work for an electrical company and continue toward his master electrician certification. The ILCC program includes residential and commercial electrical work and 2,080 hours of on-the-job training that contributes to the 8,000 hours required for apprentice electricians to complete before taking the electrical licensure exam. A 2026 graduate Adair-Casey, Guthrie Center (AC/GC) High School (3.75 GPA), Tanner has been active in music, theatre, band, choir, FFA, 4H, Guthrie County Youth Committee, and National Honor Society, among other pursuits. His recent summer employment has been as a contractor’s assistant with DL Customs (a cabinetry business) and Doug’s Plumbing and Heating, where he also has worked during the school year. Tanner is the son of Rachel and Justin Downing (Guthrie County Environmental Health) in Guthrie Center.

Paisley Kane will attend Capri College in Dubuque to become a licensed beauty professional. While completing studies to become a 2026 graduate of Bellevue High School (3.2 GPA), Paisley also became a certified nurse assistant (CNA) and has been working 20 hours per week at Mill Valley Care Center since December. An active member of Future Farmersof America, her FFA agricultural education instructor says “her work ethic, positive attitude and willingness to serve others set her apart as a well-rounded and motivate student who consistently strives for excellence.” Paisley also has worked at Key West Early Childhood Center in Dubuque as an assistant teacher and as a cashier at the carwash in Bellview. She is the daughter of Elizabeth Townsend (Jackson County Health Department) of Maquoketa and Mik Kane of Dubuque.

Morgan Leichty, a 2026 graduate of WACOHigh School in Wayland (3.833 GPA), will attend Kirkwood Community College to pursue a nursing degree. Her high school education has included numerous science-based courses: anatomy, biology, chemistry, medical terminology, nutrition, psychology, health and society, and more. She is already a Certified Nurse Assistant working 20 hours per week at Halcyon House, a WesleyLife Community in Washington. Morgan has been a waitress at Your Choice Family Restaurant in Wayland and a barista at JT’s Sips in Washington. She is the daughter of Beth and Kurt Leichty (Leichty & Son Construction and Leisons Pumping, Mount Pleasant.

Avery Overland is a 2025 graduate of Boone High School (3.75 GPA) who is currently at Iowa State University studying nutritional science (2.25 GPA). When she completes her studies at ISU, Avery plans to use her foundation in health and wellness to earn her nursing degree at Des Moines Area Community College, followed by a return to ISU to complete her BSN. She hopes to focus her career on supporting children and their families in achieving healthier lives. At ISU she’s involved in Dietetics Club and Salt Campus Ministry. In high school Avery excelled in academics, music, drama, speech and athletics. She was a student council officer, swim team captain, leader in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and 4-year winner of academic letters. Her summers have been spent as a lifeguard and camp counselor. Avery is the daughter of Marnie and Dustin Overland (Scenic Valley Septic) in Madrid.

Cody Overland graduated from Boone High School (4.4 GPA) in 2023 and enrolled that year in Iowa State University (3.65 GPA). He’s majoring in finance and financial counseling and has his sights set on entering the field of fifinancial advising. Cody is a member of ISU’s Finance Club and a student leader in Salt Campus Ministry. During his two years as a student associate for Iowa State Extension and an intern for the Iowa State Visitors Center, Cody’s diverse work — programs with kids, campus tours to prospective students, file and office organization and more — has helped him build strong organizational and communication stills. His bosses describe him as smart, quick learner, reliable, leader, level-headed, goal achiever, professional and someone who brings responsibility to every task. Cody is the son of Marnie and Dustin Overland (Scenic Valley Septic) in Madrid.

Kaydnce Winters attends Iowa State University (3.96 GPA) and is pursuing a degree in instrumental music education with hopes of bringing her passion for music to others as a middle or high school band instructor and music teacher in rural Iowa. A 2024 graduate of Iowa Falls Alden High School (3.91 GPA), Kaydnce is part of the ISU wind ensemble, symphony orchestra and flute ensemble. She also has served as a teacher’s assistant in music at ISU and as ISU symphony orchestra librarian. Kaydnce is treasurer and professional development co-chair of the Ames collegiate chapter of the Iowa Bandmasters Association and treasurer of the ISU chapter of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. In high school Kadynce received consistent division1 ratings and honor band participation, as well as served as drug major for two years. In summer of 2025 she worked as a youth tennis instructor. Kadynce is the daughter of Amanda and Trent Winters (Winters Septic Service) in Iowa Falls.