The UI Dance Marathon Scholarship program offers up to $2,000 per semester to all hematology/oncology pediatric patients who have received cancer treatment at University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital and who plan to or are currently enrolled at The University of Iowa.  Applicants must be a Dance Marathon Family or a Forever Family when the application is submitted.

CLICK FOR More InformatiON!

If you are interested in applying for the Dance Marathon Scholarship, the applications will open on March 1st for the next academic year and are due by May 1, 2026.  Here are the UI Dance Marathon Scholarship Program guidelines and requirements to be eligible:

  • UI Dance Marathon Scholarships are available to all oncology pediatric patients who have received cancer treatment at University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital (Previously called University of Iowa Children’s Hospital) and who plan to or are currently enrolled at The University of Iowa.  Applicants must be a Dance Marathon Family or a Forever Family when the application is submitted.
    • If you have specific questions regarding your eligibility to receive this scholarship, please contact Jessie Cunningham via email (jessie-cunningham@uiowa.edu).
  • Applications should be submitted by May 1, 2026, via the UI Scholarship Portal for Undergraduate Students.  All scholarship recipients, current and new, must complete and submit the online application by the deadline each year to be eligible.
  • To receive the scholarship, applicants must be enrolled as a student at the University of Iowa, taking a minimum of 6 credit hours per semester as an undergraduate or 5 credit hours as a graduate student.
    • Students enrolled in fewer than the required credit hours or participating in an unpaid internship at the University may still qualify, but they may be asked to provide additional documentation.
  • Scholarships are for the academic year beginning with the fall semester of the same calendar year in which the application is submitted.
  • Scholarships are available for fall and spring semesters only.
  • Applicants may receive a maximum scholarship award up to $2,000.00 per semester that will be applied toward the student’s University bill (UBill) for tuition and university fees only.
  • Scholarships are renewable for up to four (4) years of academic study at the University of Iowa.
  • Participation in UI Dance Marathon (e.g., committee member, dancer, volunteer) is strongly encouraged.
  • All applicants must complete an essay.
  • NEW APPLICATIONS ONLY: A University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital physician must also complete the appropriate portion of the application to verify treatment.  If you have already received a DM Scholarship in the past, you can skip this step.  
  • Applications can be found online at https://uiowa.academicworks.com/opportunities/168108, via the Iowa Scholarship Portal: https://uiowa.academicworks.com/, or at www.dancemarathon.org under the families tab.
  • Applications must be filled out by the student requesting the scholarship using your HawkID and password.  If you have questions about the Iowa Scholarship Portal and how to use it, please contact the Undergraduate Scholarship Programs via email (adm-scholarship@uiowa.edu) or call 319-335-1450. 

Please contact Jessie Cunningham at jessie-cunningham@uiowa.edu if you have any questions.

Mission Statement: The University of Iowa Dance Marathon creates and sustains special projects to provide emotional and financial support and services for pediatric oncology and bone marrow transplant patients and their families treated at University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children's Hospital.

The University of Iowa prohibits discrimination in employment, educational programs, and activities on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. Veteran, service in the U.S. military, sexual orientation, or associational preferences. The university also affirms its commitment to providing equal opportunities and equal access to university facilities. For additional information on nondiscrimination policies, contact the Senior Director, Office of Civil Rights Compliance, the University of Iowa, 202 Jessup Hall, Iowa City, IA 52242-1316, 319-335-0705, ui-ocrc@uiowa.edu.