Community of Digital Excellence (CODE) Scholarship

Drake’s Community of Digital Excellence scholars will each receive a renewable $5,000 undergraduate tuition scholarship. Majors invited to apply include: Mathematics, Mathematics Education, Computer Science, Data Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, and Information Systems. Preference in selection will be given to students who demonstrate a willingness to explore new experiences and share passions for developing new technologies in a collaborative setting.

About the Community of Digital Excellence (CODE) Program

The rapid growth of Artificial Intelligence tools and advanced technology is profoundly impacting society, creating new frontiers and opportunities. Drake students are navigating this significant shift, preparing to become tomorrow’s leaders. Drake University supports students on this journey by being an institution for integrating the liberal arts with analytics and technology.

Drake students develop technology and data skills alongside communication skills, which employers are increasingly seeking. A key aspect of a Drake education is preparing leaders who bring a variety of valuable viewpoints and talents to technology careers. 

Drake is committed to empowering exceptional students from all backgrounds and building robust pathways for work in technology and analytics. As part of this commitment, we're excited to invite students to apply to Drake’s Community of Digital Excellence (CODE) Scholars program.

The Community of Digital Excellence (CODE) Scholars program includes:

• A $5,000 tuition scholarship, renewable for each of the student's Drake undergraduate school years, assuming the student has met the CODE requirements (see below). 
• Individual meetings with the faculty advisor for the CODE program every two weeks during the first year at Drake. 
• Monthly meetings with the CODE community, including the faculty mentor and CODE scholars.
• Professional development opportunities
• Digital Proficiency Community Engagement opportunities
• Peer and faculty mentorship

As a part of the Community of Digital Excellence program, there is also an annual service commitment. As a CODE Scholar, you will be required to perform 40 hours of Digital Proficiency Program Community Service per year such as:

• Serving as a Teaching Assistant for a Digital Proficiency Program course (any course in Computer Science, Mathematics, Math Education, Artificial Intelligence, Information Systems or Data Analytics).
• Organizing community engagement events such as an Hour of Code at the Burt Boys and Girls Club or an interdisciplinary Hack-a-Thon.
• Participate in a research group with a Drake University professor.
• Or another community service project as approved by the CODE faculty mentor.

CODE Scholars are also required to serve as mentors for incoming CODE Scholars and attend monthly meetings with other CODE Scholars.

Application Requirements & Deadlines

• Preference in selection will be given to students with demonstrable financial need who have a strong record of academic achievement and who demonstrate potential to contribute significantly to the dynamic and collaborative environment of the program. This includes students who bring unique life experiences, insights, or problem-solving approaches that will enrich the learning experience for all participants and the broader digital proficiency community.

• Preference will be given to students who have a record of completing at least one math or computer science course per year throughout their high school experience.

The deadline to apply is January 29, 2026.

The following criteria is required for a complete application:

• Student must submit an application for admission by January 29, 2026.
• Student must submit the separate CODE scholarship application by January 29, 2026. 
  • The answer to the following essay question is part of a complete application: The Community of Digital Excellence (CODE) is built on the shared pursuit of digital mastery and mutual support. Describe how your unique experiences, passions, and aspirations will enable you to thrive within this community. How do you envision actively contributing to the collaborative learning environment among your fellow CODE scholars, and what impact do you hope to make in the broader digital landscape or your chosen field?
• Student must major in one of the academic offerings on the Drake Digital Proficiency Platform (math, math education, computer science, data analytics, artificial intelligence, or information systems).  If a student accepts this scholarship and subsequently changes to a major outside of the aforementioned programs, then the CODE scholarship will not be renewed for remaining undergraduate academic years at Drake.

Please log in using your Office of Admission application credentials. (If you have not yet started your admission application, you must start it before you can set up a scholarship application.

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Recipients will be notified by March 20, 2026. Students who are selected must enroll at Drake by May 1, 2026 in order to hold their place in this program.

Undergraduate scholarships are available only to students enrolled at the undergraduate level, for up to 4 years total or until a Bachelor's degree is earned (whichever comes first). Students entering one of Drake's joint undergraduate/graduate degree paths should refer to Program-Specific Policies to understand which years are designated as undergraduate-level for billing and financial aid purposes. Scholarships will renew automatically if all renewal requirements are satisfied.