Instructions: The Robert Smiley Scholarship is offered by the Iowa Girls’ High School Athletic Union and the Smiley Family in honor of longtime IGHSAU Associate Executive Secretary who passed away suddenly in 2003.

Bob Smiley impacted youth his entire life. He began as a teacher, coach, official and administrator in several schools throughout the state. He joined the IGHSAU in 1970 as the associate executive secretary and helped build the Girls’ Union into a nationally respected leader in girls’ athletics.

In recognition of his work towards ensuring the Iowa Girl is a leader of her peers, the IGHSAU created a scholarship. The Robert Smiley Scholarship is for senior girls enrolled full-time in a public or private Iowa high school. The recipient must have a minimum 2.5 GPA (4.0 scale). She must also have lettered in one varsity sport sponsored by the IGHSAU each year of high school. There was a special place in Bob’s heart for the underdog, because of this there will be extra attention given to the applicant showing a specific financial and or situational need.

Each high school is limited to one nomination. The local school shall determine how the nominee is selected. Accompanying the scholarship application must be two letters of recommendation from a school faculty member and/or administrator AND a 200-word essay by the nominee describing adversity she faced and/or overcame to make her the person she is today.

The value of the Robert Smiley Scholarship is $1000 to be used to pay expenses billed by the Iowa college or university of her choice. Applications must be postmarked no later than March 28, 2025.