About the scholarship
Recognizing integrity put into action
The BBB Students of Integrity Scholarship recognizes high school seniors who demonstrate honesty, leadership, and strong ethical values in their everyday lives. Sponsored by the BBB Foundation, this program awards $2,500 scholarships to students throughout the Greater Iowa region who are making a positive impact in their schools, families, and communities.
Unlike traditional academic scholarships, the Students of Integrity Scholarship is not based on GPA, class rank, or test scores. We encourage students of all academic backgrounds to apply. What matters most is your character, your commitment to doing the right thing, and the ways you lead by example. If you embody integrity and strive to make a difference, we want to hear your story.
2027 program timeline
Key dates and deadlines
Students, mark your calendar for these important dates!
Application Deadline
January 31, 2027
The application will close at midnight!
Winners Announced
April 2027
Recipients notified by email and on BBB platforms.
Awards Celebration
June 2027
Students of Integrity recipients are honored alongside our Torch Awards for Ethics business winners at this in-person celebration.
Students of integrity
Frequently asked questions
The BBB Students of Integrity Scholarship is sponsored by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) Foundation. Each year, we award $2,500 scholarships to high school seniors who reside in the geographic area served by our BBB — the Greater Des Moines region, the Quad Cities region, and the Siouxland region. The award recognizes students who personify values, leadership, and integrity, and who aim to become young adults who contribute to our local workforce.
High school seniors residing in Iowa are eligible to apply. We serve people from Sioux City to the Quad Cities and everywhere in between. Questions about your specific high school? Contact us at [email protected].
Basic contact information
A 1,000-word essay
A summary of your involvement in and out of school
Your future plans
Contact information for 3 references
In 1,000 words or less, describe one specific situation you've personally faced that required ethical decision-making. What challenges did you face, and what did you learn? Think beyond legality — this is about your own personal definition of integrity, so feel free to think outside the box.
Applications are scored across four areas:
Essay (50%) — In 1,000 words or less, describe one specific situation where you had to demonstrate ethical decision-making. What challenges did you face, and what did you learn? Go beyond right vs. wrong in a legal sense — include your own personal definition of integrity.
School Involvement (30%) — List your school-related activities, your role in each, and how long you participated. This includes academic honors, sports, clubs, offices held, and other school-sanctioned organizations.
Future Plans (10%) — Describe how the scholarship will help you meet your postsecondary goals and what your educational plans are after high school.
References (10%) — Provide contact information (name, email, and relationship to you) for 3 references who can speak to your character and integrity. Only one may be from school personnel.
Email [email protected] for more information.
Winners will be notified in April and honored at the annual Torch Awards ceremony in June.