The Herbert Hoover Uncommon Student Award is a scholarship program for Iowa high school juniors. The program is designed to attract students who are motivated and community-minded. The award, which honors Herbert Hoover, an Iowa native and the 31st President of the United States, identifies students who propose and then accomplish projects of their own design. The projects the students propose should demonstrate the values that Herbert Hoover exemplified in his life of public service. Grades, test scores, essays, and financial need are not evaluated. A committee of distinguished Iowans listens to all presentations and chooses three students to receive $10,000 scholarships to be used at an accredited two or four year college/university. The money is paid directly to the institution; $5,000 the freshman year and $5,000 the sophomore year. Two recommendations are required.