New Grants Available to Dubuque Graduates Who Stay Local

One of the pillars of the Dubuque Racing Association (DRA) is keeping people, businesses, and other entities local. They invest in the community because they want valuable individuals and assets to stay in Dubuque and the surrounding Tri-State area. As of late, they have done a tremendous job in dolling out grants to valuable organizations.

With their latest move, they are trying to keep Dubuque/Dubuque-area college graduates local. A recent DRA grant will fund the Dubuque Promise Grant, a scholarship program that partners Clarke University, Loras College, and the University of Dubuque in an effort to encourage graduates to live and work in the region, per a press release.

The three colleges will award up to $5,000 per year to students who make a two-year commitment to reside and be employed in the following counties:

• IOWA:
• Dubuque
• Clayton
• Delaware
• Jones
• Jackson

• ILLINOIS:
• Jo Daviess

• WISCONSIN:
• Grant
• Lafayette

These awards, initially advanced as a low interest loan, will be converted to a grant once the graduate fulfills the two-year regional residency requirement.

The initial year of funding will benefit 18 to 20 rising juniors and seniors across the three schools. Undergraduate students who apply for the loan must be in good academic standing with a minimum of 55 completed college credits. They must also have declared a major in nursing, education, social work, criminal justice, psychology, or sociology.

The three colleges are excited to work together to provide additional assistance to local students and are grateful to the DRA for awarding the $200,000 grant to keep professional talent in the community.

Students interested in applying for the program can contact their college’s financial aid office:

• Clarke University Financial Aid: (563) 588-6327
• Loras College Financial Planning Office: (563) 588-7136
• University of Dubuque Office of Student Financial Planning: (563) 589-3170

Visit the Dubuque Racing Association's website here.