Student Impact Grant Recipients


Student Impact Grants help Hawkeyes experience, learn, and discover important lessons outside the classroom. Past recipients show you cannot always anticipate when a unique idea is going to arise—or when it will inspire action or creation. Support from the Iowa Impact Fund helps in the pursuit of new and exciting ventures. Read the stories of two Student Impact Grant recipients.

For a More Accepting Community

An image from Nachte Raho, a celebration partially funded by an Iowa Student Impact Grant.

Ridhi Jani

In an effort to celebrate and share Indian culture with the University of Iowa community, the Indian Student Alliance (ISA) hosts a series of charitable, cultural, educational, and social events each year. "Spreading diversity and cultural awareness is extremely important to us," says Ridhi Jani, president of the Indian Student Alliance.

The group’s yearly showcase event, Nachte Raho, is one of the largest Bollywood fusion dance competitions in the Midwest. Eight of the best university dance teams from around the nation come to Iowa and perform. The Student Impact Grant helped pay for a top-notch venue, Hancher Auditorium, and secure judges for the competition.

For a Better Quality of Life

An image of Sandra Castillo, a recipient of an Iowa Student Impact Grant.

Sandra Castillo

Tackling real-life problems and gaining hands-on experiences are important for future engineers, including Sandra Castillo. Through her work with the University of Iowa chapter of Continental Crossing—which helps communities in developing countries construct footbridges— Castillo spent five weeks in Nicaragua repairing two suspended bridges.

Thanks to the Student Impact Grant, Castillo was able to pay for lodging, meals, medical and health expenses, and equipment for the trip. "Your support made my experience accessible and affordable," says Castillo. "Your generosity is helping change the world and making a difference in the lives of so many students."

Learn how to apply for the Student Impact Grants.

If you are interested in helping provide students with more opportunities like these, please support the Iowa Impact Fund.

Iowa Magazine
Explore the latest stories from Iowa Magazine.
Related Content

University of Iowa Health Care experts discuss AI?s promise and ethical questions.

The Forevermore Scholarship helps deserving high school students access the University of Iowa by easing their financial burden. You can help more students with a demonstrated financial need become Hawkeyes and attain a world-class education by supporting the Forevermore Scholarship. Your investment can change the trajectory of a student?s life?make a gift today! The Forevermore Scholarship program was created by the generosity of many Hawkeyes to help more students access the University of Iowa. Thanks to donations from our alumni and friends, the UI Office of Student Financial Aid started offering Forevermore Scholarships to eligible first-year students beginning in fall 2019. For more information on the Forevermore Scholarship, email giving@foriowa.org.

Are you new to Iowa City, Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Chicago, or the Twin Cities? Alumni in each of these Hawkeye havens have prepared an insider's guide to their cities to help you find your way.

We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies in accordance with our Privacy Statement unless you have disabled them in your browser.