Foundation for Dubuque Public Schools

Established by retired Hempstead Assistant Principal Registrar Sandra L. Beisker to continue service to the school and its students who share her love of literature and theatre.  To be considered for this scholarship, students must be graduate of Hempstead High School, Dubuque, Iowa with a plan to enroll full-time in a degree program at a two- or four-year college or university. Preference given to student pursuing a career related to the study of English and/or theatre (examples: teacher, librarian, journalist, actor, costume designer, editor) as well as to a student who describes how any work of literature has impacted his/her own character or career choice. 

The Hempstead Class of ‘73 Scholarship has been established to give back to students at Stephen Hempstead High School. The purpose of the Hempstead Class of ’73 Scholarship is to support graduating seniors from Stephen Hempstead High School in Dubuque, IA who will pursue post-secondary education who are interested in pursuing a career in the trade field that requires specific training but not necessarily a college setting. Students planning to attend a junior college, trade school, or certificate program can qualify for this scholarship.

Our most requested program in the Dubuque Community Schools are field trips!  Remember the excitement of leaving school to take what you learned into the classroom, out?  Either at a local nature preserve, theater, park, or tour?  Because of our community of partners and donations to this fund, we are able to send students on Outdoor Adventures, as part of the Science curriculum, provide a grade level each year with an experience at the theater, and give students the opportunity to explore local gems like the National Mississippi River Museum, Mines of Spain, EB Lyons, John Deere Proving Ground, Grand Opera House, UD’s Heritage Center, and so much more.  Your gift goes directly to transportation and ticket costs to get EVERY student in that grade level out on a field experience.

Inspired by the trumpet and the love of music, for the last 15 years this fund has invested in students engaged with the music programs in the Dubuque Community School District.

Since 2020, more than 150 instruments have been purchased for students in the Dubuque Community School District, ensuring that any student who wants to explore a love of music can do so, regardless of their ability to rent or buy an instrument. Thanks to this fund, participation in band and orchestra has grown each year, along with access to the instruments students need to succeed.

The purpose of the John W. Seier Memorial Fund is to impact students of Dubuque Community School District, by providing support to students that participate in Scouting. This fund may provide Scout uniforms for packs that have members/potential members that lack resources, maintenance products for Scout Camp at Edgewood, IA, material costs for Eagle Scout projects, and/or funding for scout trips for member/potential members that lack resources.

FDPS Gifts and Grants funds go towards projects and programs that are not funded by general tax dollars. Some of these dollars go towards Building Grants, school principals apply for, while some go towards areas of interest for each of our partners/donors. Your gifts have funded new technology in the classroom, classroom sets of headphones to use for testing, literacy, and to create a quiet environment that may be needed, your gifts have made schools safer with the purchase of building-wide walkie-talkie’s, your gifts have motivated students to improve their attendance through individual attendance calendars, stickers, and student incentives, and your gifts have even helped plan school family engagement nights.  Every gift you give impacts students directly.

The Open Closet Fund pays for food for the Dubuque Community Schools Food Pantry, personal hygiene items for the Care Closet, and clothing items, such as winter coats, boots, and pants. In the 2024 school year, there were over 2500 visits to this space, with the top needs being food and household cleaning supplies. In addition to being open for families, school staff will pack up items for individual families and/or classroom closets, to ensure accessibility to all. Your gift directly goes towards the purchase of items, most in need.  Also, thanks to partnerships with As They Grow, The Discover Shop, Shoe Shack, and many more individuals in the community, many items come to us gently used and ready for students and their families!

At A Glance

• In Memory of Daniel J. Miller
• Supports a Hempstead High School Art Student in Dubuque, IA
• Permanently Endowed Fund

About Us

Daniel J. Miller, a Hempstead High School Senior in 1992, was uncertain about his future. He didn’t think college was for him. The only thing he knew for sure was that he was an artist. He had a need to create. He felt the happiest when he was covered in paint, charcoal, clay or wood chips.

The Hempstead Art Teachers saw his potential and passion for art. They encouraged Dan to enter an art competition at The University of Northern Iowa. With only a few weeks to prepare, his art teachers spent hours after school helping Dan put together his portfolio.

Year Founded 2018

Don and Jean Johnson were the parents of three girls: Nancy, Donna, and Lisa. When Lisa was seven, her parents were killed in a mid-air plane collision. Lisa went on to become a teacher and taught special education for her entire career, thirty years of which were with the Dubuque Community School District.

The purpose of the Don and Jean Johnson Memorial Scholarship is to support graduating seniors from the Dubuque Community School District in Dubuque, IA, who will pursue post-secondary education. The winner of this scholarship will receive a one-time $500 honorarium to be deposited with the college or university of their choice after enrollment.