DMACC President Rob Denson announced a new scholarship initiative at the Iowa State
Fair on Sunday August 11, 2025.
Called the DMACC Opportunity Scholarship, the endowed fund underscore’s DMACC’s enduring commitment to accessible, high-quality
education.
“It’s appropriate to make this announcement on the Anne & Bill Riley Stage at the Iowa State Fair,” Denson said of his announcement. “Thousands of young people from across the state and from all backgrounds, both rural and urban have entertained Iowans on this stage. So, what better place to connect with Iowans and tell our story that a higher education should be and will be available to every Iowan!”
The DMACC Opportunity Scholarship will provide financial support to students who demonstrate academic promise and financial need, helping remove barriers to college completion. It’s named in recognition of DMACC’s nearly six decades of outstanding service to students of all ages and backgrounds. DMACC has also grown its commitment to families from low-income backgrounds. It’s part of DMACC’s legacy to student success.
The scholarship initiative is for students like Jenna Bain from Des Moines. “Receiving a DMACC scholarship has made college possible for me. Finances were a major struggle before coming to college. So, without this help, I couldn’t do it,” said Bain.
National education statistics show that its difficult for Americans born into low-income families to find prosperity later in life.
"I deeply believe that education has the power to change lives and it shouldn’t matter what zip code someone is born into as to how they will do in life,” said Denson. "This scholarship is an investment in future generations of DMACC students who need a helping hand to achieve their full potential. Scholarships are important to students. They can mean the difference between graduation and dropping out of school."
Statistics from the DMACC Foundation show DMACC students who receive a Foundation scholarship have a retention rate that’s nearly 26 percent higher than non-scholarship recipients.
In addition, the graduation rates for DMACC students awarded a Foundation Scholarship is around 70 percent as compared to non-scholarship recipients whose graduation rate is 40 percent. “While there are many uncertainties in life, one sure thing is the value of an education and what it can do for an individual. This scholarship initiative is an investment in our future,” said Denson.
The DMACC Opportunity Scholarship will be administered through the DMACC Foundation and is open to students from across Iowa who attend DMACC. The first scholarships are expected to be awarded in the upcoming academic year. DMACC aims to build an endowed scholarship fund that will sustain the program for many years to come.
“DMACC’s legacy is felt in every corner of Iowa,” said Joe Pugel, DMACC’s Board Chair Emeritus. “The College has expanded access to a higher education, helped improve student outcomes, and built community partnerships that still serve us today. This scholarship will continue our work by opening doors for students who might otherwise be left behind.”
President Denson will be working to grow the scholarship fund through the end of the year when he retires in December. Donors, alumni, and community members interested in supporting the scholarship can visit www.dmacc.edu/foundation or contact the DMACC Foundation directly.
DMACC Foundation
2006 S Ankeny Blvd., Bldg #22
Ankeny, IA 50023
515-964-6229
foundation@dmacc.edu