Thanks to the generosity of the ISU Agricultural Endowment Board, this award is intended to increase access to undergraduate student participation in high-impact, value-added learning opportunities by lowering financial barriers. Such hands-on learning opportunities may include Study Abroad, Study USA, presenting at a research conference, unpaid internships, or service learning.

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Pathways to Innovation and Leadership Program supports students in developing their innovation, leadership, and other practical skills needed for success in the modern world through participation in high-impact, value-added learning opportunities that will positively influence their academic, professional, and personal goals.

If awarded, students will complete the Pathway Planner by adding their high-impact learning opportunity and the specific skills that could benefit their academic, professional, and/or personal goals. 

Eligibility:

1. Undergraduates currently enrolled in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
2. The student must be in good academic standing.
3. Enrolled or accepted to participate in high-impact learning opportunities, such as study abroad, research, entrepreneurship, internships and/or service learning.
4. Demonstrated need for financial support to participate in a high-impact opportunity.
5. Preference will be given to students participating in the Pathways to Innovation and Leadership program who earn at least one digital badge.
6. This award shall be made available to students of any class standing.
7. Upon acceptance, recipients shall complete the Pathway Planner.

Term of Award: All awards are for one year.

Award Amount: $500

Deadline: 03/31/2026

Submit your application through OneApp 

Thanks to the generosity of CS Liew (’79 Agronomy and Integrated Pest Management), this award is intended to recognize and reward undergraduate students who have shown strong innovation and leadership skills and further hone their peer leadership skills and experiences in the Pathways to Innovation and Leadership program.

If awarded, students will be required to attend the peer leaders training and commit to up to 35 volunteer hours during the award semester to practice their leadership and innovation skills. The hours are flexible and can be arranged based on the student’s availability. This could include participating in Pathways events, supporting recruitment efforts, presenting to groups and courses, and providing consultations to students on how to get involved in innovation and leadership opportunities through the Pathways program.

Eligibility
1. Undergraduates currently enrolled in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
2. Demonstrated innovation and leadership skill development.
3. Earned at least Designing Career Success, Leading with Strengths, and Creative Confidence for Innovation digital badges from the Pathways program.
4. Preference will be given to students who have demonstrated active involvement in the Pathways program, such as earning more than three digital badges and attending Pathways events.

Completed applications must include:

1. Identify Pathways Digital Badges you’ve earned.
2. Describe how your involvement in the Pathways program benefits your innovation and leadership development.
3. Identify how your peer leadership can contribute to the Pathways program.
4. Describe your career plans.

Term of Award: All awards are for one year

Award Amount: $500

Deadline: 03/31/2026

Submit your application through OneApp

Thanks to the generosity of Roger Grundmeier (’72 Agricultural Education), this award is intended to reward and support undergraduate students in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences who have shown initiative, gone above and beyond in their efforts toward cross-disciplinary collaboration and innovation, experienced success in innovative ways that has led to an impactful change showing qualities of innovation insight, and inspire peers to reach their full innovative potential in their college career.

Eligibility:

1. Must be currently enrolled in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
2. Must be in good academic standing.
3. Must have junior or senior class standing (60+ earned credits).
4. Demonstrate an innovative and leadership mindset/skillset as demonstrated through leadership in student clubs, organizations, and activities, research, entrepreneurship, internships, and/or service learning.
5. Preference will be given to students participating in the CALS Pathways to Innovation and Leadership program. 

Term of Award: All awards are for one year.

Award Amount: $2,100

Number of Awards: Two

Deadline: Closed for Spring 2026 - check back Fall 2026!

Submit your application through OneApp

Thanks to the generosity of Dhamu Thamodaran (AG Econ ’83, Ph.D.) and Kanchana Thamodaran, this award is intended to support undergraduate or graduate students working on an innovative scientific, technological, or business idea related to a grand challenge in agriculture (e.g., climate change mitigation, food security). Funds may be used to support scientific research, technology development, or the development of a scientific, technological, or business proof of concept.

Eligibility:

1. Recipients shall be enrolled in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
2. Recipients shall be in good academic standing with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.5.
3. Interest and capability in pursuing innovative solutions to grand challenges in agriculture.
4. This award shall be made available to students of any class standing.

Completed applications must include:

1. A cover letter explaining:
   1. Specific project or proposal related to an innovative scientific, technological, or business idea; the specific agricultural problem it is intended to address; and how it relates to a grand challenge in agriculture.
   2. Planned use of the funds (research or project expenses, tuition, travel, etc.)
   3. What financial support the student is already receiving.
   4. Career plans
2. A letter of support from the faculty member or staff person who will mentor the student on this work must be included.
3. Upon completion of the project, a 1–2-page report that explains how the funds were used and what was accomplished will be submitted to Associate Dean Carmen Bain, cbain@iastate.edu

Term of Award: All awards are for one year and may not be renewed.

Award Amount: $3,000

Deadline: 03/31/2026

Submit your application through OneApp