FOUNDATIONS INCREASE MATTESON SCHOLARSHIP

The Keokuk Area Community Foundation (KACF) and the North Lee Community Foundation (NLCF) are proud to announce a significant increase to the Matteson Scholarship, one of the region’s most impactful scholarship programs. Beginning with the 2026 scholarship cycle, the Matteson Scholarship will now provide up to $4,000 per year for four years, for a total potential award of $16,000 per student.

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Previously, the scholarship provided up to $12,000 over four years. The increase will apply to both current Matteson Scholarship recipients and new students selected beginning in 2026.

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“As education costs continue to rise, I am proud that the Keokuk Area Community Foundation and the North Lee Community Foundation made that profound decision to increase the scholarship amount of the Matteson Scholarship,” said Philip Ricketts, Chief Operating Officer of the Foundations.

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The Matteson Scholarship supports high school seniors and continuing education students pursuing studies in agriculture, health and medical sciences, nursing, engineering, information technology, or skilled trades. Eligible applicants must live in Lee, Des Moines, or Henry counties in Iowa, or be graduates of Wapello Senior High School in Louisa County.

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The scholarship is designed to help students who may not always qualify for traditional merit-based awards but demonstrate financial need, strong personal character, and clear career goals. Applicants must have a GPA between 2.0 and 3.5, with preference often given to students pursuing two-year degrees or certificate programs.

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The Matteson Scholarship exists because of the extraordinary generosity and vision of Lawrence W. Matteson and his wife, Marilyn. Lawrence Matteson rose from humble beginnings working on the family farm to become an innovator in machinery and marine construction, ultimately building L.W. Matteson, Inc. into one of the nation’s leading dredging and marine construction companies.

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After selling the company, Lawrence and Marilyn embraced the philosophy of “experiencing the joy of giving while living.” Their philanthropy supported major institutions including Mayo Clinic and local hospitals, but perhaps their most lasting legacy is the opportunity they created for students across Southeast Iowa to pursue education and career training.

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Since 2020, hundreds of students have benefited from Matteson Scholarship support, helping them pursue careers in technical fields, healthcare, and skilled trades. In 2025, the Keokuk Area Community Foundation posthumously honored Lawrence Matteson with the Eichacker Award for Philanthropy in recognition of his extraordinary commitment to education and community.

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The increase in scholarship funding ensures that Matteson’s vision will continue to create opportunities for future generations of students across the region.

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The Matteson Scholarship is currently open for applications until April 15th, 2026.