Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds Announces Launch of Jewish American Heritage Month Student Creative Contest

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has announced the launch of Iowa’s Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM) Student Scholarship Contest, organized by the Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM).

“Since the founding of our country, Jewish Americans have made significant contributions to our nation’s culture, economy, and civic life,” Governor Reynolds said on Sunday. “Here in Iowa, our own Jewish community dates back to the 183os. In every sense, Jewish Iowans have helped build our state into what it is today, leaving a legacy of leadership and service to inspire Iowans for generations to come.”

Learn more about @CombatASemitism’s new scholarship for Iowa students at https://t.co/iucrW4NwCp pic.twitter.com/COxZjwIZtA

— Gov. Kim Reynolds (@IAGovernor) March 1, 2026

The creative contest — full details of which are available HERE — is open to all Iowa high school seniors planning to attend a two- or four-year college or university in Iowa.

Participants are invited to submit essays in three categories: Jewish Individuals Who Shaped America, Jewish Leadership & Partnership in Advancing Social Cause, and Jewish Ideas and Cultural Contributions to Society.

Entries will be accepted through April 30. 

A total of $30,000 in scholarships will be awarded.

Winners will be recognized by Governor Reynolds at a JAHM reception in Des Moines in May.

CAM’s partners for the project include the Jewish Federation of Greater Des Moines, Jewish Federation of the Quad Cities, Iowa Jewish Historical Society, and Tikvah Fund.

A similar initiative was led by CAM in Virginia last year.

For more information and to submit an entry, please visit: jahm.combatantisemitism.org/iowa2026

Watch a message from CAM Jewish American Heritage Director Lenore Zach about the Iowa contest below: