John Deere Scholars Program Helps Davenport Students Reach College Dreams

PHOTO: ELLA STRADER John Deere Scholars Kamryn Benson and Ella Strader take a photo with other first-year students on the Pentacrest in fall 2025 during the On Iowa! welcome program.

Tears of joy streamed down Ella Strader's face as she received life-transforming news.

Strader thought she would have to take on a large financial burden to put herself through college. Instead, she became one of the first 20 students chosen for a scholarship through the John Deere Scholars Program, which provides major financial, academic, and social support for select Davenport, Iowa, high school seniors to attend the University of Iowa.

“That was one of the best days,” says Strader, who is now completing her first year at Iowa as a music education major. “It was like a huge relief to know that I could focus on my school instead of having to stress about making ends meet.”

The program, which is now in its second year, stemmed from a three-year, $6.6 million commitment from the John Deere Foundation to increase access to higher education for Iowa high school students. The foundation partnered with the UI and the Davenport Community School District to sponsor a free college readiness program open to the district’s high school seniors. Those who participate can apply for one of 20 need-based scholarships each year to Iowa. The scholarship covers all four years of the student’s education, including tuition, fees, room, board, and books.

Scholarship recipients earn a leadership certificate and also meet regularly with academic support staff at the Gerdin Athletic Learning Center and John Deere mentors throughout their college career. “It’s this wonderful team of people who are just there to help with any questions and to push us in the right direction,” says Strader. “I don’t think I would be as successful in college without them by my side.”

COURTESY JOHN DEERE SCHOLARS PROGRAM John Deere Scholars College Program students and mentors meet on the University of Iowa campus in fall 2025 for a kickoff event.

In her first year at Iowa, Strader says she’s been impressed with the UI School of Music and all the guest artists she’s been able to collaborate with and learn from—including Voces8, one of her favorite a cappella groups. She’s learned to play piano; joined the University Choir; and will perform in the spring opera, The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Each experience has moved her closer toward her goal of teaching high school choir or working with children in music education. “Anytime I can bring music into a kid’s life, I’m so excited,” she says.

Strader also planned student activities as vice president of the Slater Hall Association, participated in blood drives through the Blood Club, and folded paper cranes to offer encouragement to pediatric patients and senior citizens through The Wishing Crane Project. She says, “[My friends and I have] just made so many memories that have fueled my love of college.”

Reflecting on the opportunity to come to Iowa as part of the John Deere Scholars Program, Strader says, “Overall, I think this program is a huge blessing to students from my community, and I think it’s going to set us up for a lot of success in our futures. I’m forever grateful.”