In 1999 the Capital Striders started a scholarship program for high school cross-country athletes in Polk county. One $500 scholarship was awarded the first year. The number of awards and the amount per scholarship has continued to grow; we currently present five $1,200 scholarships annually.

Three scholarships are named after supporters of Capital Striders: Dave Hurd was an avid runner and patron of running and wellness in Central Iowa; Chuck Jipp, who lost his battle with ALS in 2000, was a long-time Striders Board Member, volunteer, and runner; Stan Smith was one of the first members of the organized version of the Capital Striders, and contributed endlessly to the running community whether it be youth programs, high school, collegiate, or lifetime. The fourth scholarship is named the Kinetic Edge Scholarship with special thanks to Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy and Todd Schemper, a long-time Strider, who've donated additional scholarship funds. Our fifth scholarship is named the Bobenhouse-Lavender Scholarship with thanks to the Bobenhouse-Lavender foundation and Nancy Lavender-Bobenhouse and Steve Bobenhouse who have supported the club in many ways, for many years.

Scholarship Information

• For 2024, the Capital Striders Scholarship is a $1,200 non-renewable award

• Applicant must have applied and been accepted at a college, university, or vocational school of his or her choice

• Receiving the award does not preclude the applicant from applying for and accepting other scholarships, loans, grants, or other aid

• Applicant need not participate in college athletics

• A committee consisting of four to six Capital Striders members will screen the applications. Awards will be publicly announced May 10, 2024.

• All other things being equal, volunteerism/community involvement will be the deciding factor

• Application forms may be secured from the high school counselor’s office or the Capital Striders' website.

Eligibility

• Must be a graduating senior from a Polk County high school

• Must be a student in good standing

• Must have been a cross country or track letter winner

• Must have been accepted at a college, university or vocational school

Requirements

• Completed, typed, and signed Application form or PDF form

• High school transcript through seven semesters

• A track or cross-country coach’s or athletic director’s letter of recommendation (in a sealed
  envelope from the coach or athletic director)

• Completed essay

Submission

Send all requirements to:

Capital Striders

Attn: Capital Striders Scholarship Committee

P.O. Box 13098

Des Moines, IA 50310

All submissions must be emailed or postmarked by April 4th, 2024 to be considered.

Please do not send by certified mail–it creates delays

For additional information, please e-mail scholarships@capitalstriders.org

Past Scholarship Winners

2023

Jacob Forney Valley High School
Carli Bennett Southeast Polk
Gavin Moore Urbandale High School
Abby Harris Johnston High School
Libby Hartz Southeast Polk