The Mark Pearson FFA Leadership Scholarship

The Mark Pearson FFA Leadership Scholarship pays full-tuition to 15 qualifying Iowa FFA Chapter Presidents that attend DMACC. One qualifying student from each of Iowa’s FFA’s six Iowa districts and up to an additional nine qualifying at large students will be selected.​

“Some of the greatest leaders in Iowa have an FFA background. DMACC is proud to play a role in helping the next generation of leaders prepare themselves for their careers, and we are honored to name it after Mark Pearson.”

- Rob Denson, President, Des Moines Area Community College

Recipients can enroll in any degree program at any of DMACC’s campuses or learning centers.

To be eligible, students must:

• Have been president of their FFA chapter either junior or senior year of high school
• Apply during their senior year of high school
• Attend DMACC right out of high school
• Have a cumulative GPA of 2.5
• Register full time each semester in an approved program of study and maintain a cumulative 2.5 GPA

To apply for the scholarship, students must:

1. Apply to DM​ACC
2. Then apply for scholarship (Application is open each year from Dec. 1 - March 1​.)

Hear from past Pearson Scholar recipients

“While attending Des Moines Area Community College I had exceptional educational success, because I was able to focus on obtaining a career rather than worrying about how I will repay loans that I would have acquired.”
 - Tiffanie Koch, Mark Pearson Scholar, graduate 2019

“Along with educational success, the Mark Pearson Scholarship helped me prepare for the professional workforce. I was able to establish professional connections that enhanced my learning experience outside of the classroom.”
 - Macy Janssen, Mark Pearson Scholar, graduate 2019

“I grew up listening to Mark Pearson and learning from him in my ag classes. I was overwhelmed with the opportunity to get a full scholarship and be the first person in my family to go to college and graduate. I cannot express how thankful I am for the opportunity to receive the scholarship and how it changed my path.”
- Kobe Fisk, Mark Pearson Scholar, graduate 2018