Winterset High School, Winterset, Iowa. Go Huskies.Applications due March 15, 2027. Apply now

Winterset High School scholarship

The Just Getting Started Scholarship

Founded by two former professional hallway wanderers

$2,000 every year for seniors who may not have been perfect students, but who have ambition, grit, and a plan.

Applications are due March 15, 2027.

Start your applicationSee the two awards

How this started

Back in 2nd grade, two friends met in class and quickly discovered three things:

  1. Homework was optional. At least in their minds.
  2. Hard work builds character.
  3. The kids studying on Friday nights were probably missing out on something fun.

Fast forward a couple of decades, and things worked out pretty well. One pursued military service and built a career in healthcare leadership and administration. The other built a wealth management business from the ground up through grit, hustle, and a determination not to work for someone else forever.

Along the way, they learned that success isn't only about what you learn in a classroom. It's also about:

Initiative, motivation, business, entrepreneurship, common sense, independence, leadership, and effort.

This scholarship supports students who show ambition, resilience, leadership potential, and a commitment to building meaningful lives.

Your story isn't finished yet.

Two awards, $1,000 each

Pick the one that fits where you're headed. You'll choose it on the application.

Healthcare & Leadership Award

$1,000

For the future healthcare leader who cares about people and sees themselves in healthcare, public health, medicine, mental health, emergency services, or any profession that helps communities stay healthy and safe.

Eligibility

  • Graduating high school senior
  • GPA between 2.0 and 3.75
  • Interest in a healthcare or public health career

You must submit

  • Completed application and essay
  • Two character references
  • Proof of admission to college, a certification program, or a military medical program
Essay: How will you make life better for other people?

Your intended field, what shaped your interest, how you will help your community, and a challenge you have overcome.

Apply for this award

Entrepreneurship & Common-Sense Award

$1,000

For students who prefer action over theory, already have entrepreneurial instincts, and think ownership sounds better than clocking in forever.

Eligibility

  • Graduating high school senior
  • GPA between 2.0 and 3.75
  • Plans to pursue business, trades, finance, real estate, construction, agriculture, or another self-driven profession

You must submit

  • Completed application and essay
  • One character reference, plus one person who can confirm you've hustled before

Bonus points if you've

  • Run any side hustle whatsoever
  • Bought and resold something for profit
  • Learned what an LLC is before graduation
Essay: What do you want to build?

Your business or career path, a real problem you solved, what you learned outside the classroom, and your definition of success.

Apply for this award

Win the scholarship, gain two mentors

Every recipient is automatically enrolled in the mentoring program. There's nothing extra to apply for.

One-on-one calls

Direct access to Scott and Cole for guidance and real-world advice.

Year-round check-ins

Regular touchpoints to see how you're progressing and where we can help.

Whatever you need

Career questions, business decisions, life choices. We'll be in your corner.

Apply

Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on March 15, 2027. It takes about 30 minutes, most of it on your essay. Have your references' contact information ready before you start.

Questions? Email Scott at scottrwesley@gmail.com or Cole at cole.weeks.usphs@gmail.com.

Which award?

About you

References

Character reference

Second character reference

Your essay
Choose an award above to see your essay question.
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