Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship – 2026

Posted by: Smart || Categories: Scholarship

Full Tuition for Indiana High School Seniors

The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program (LECSP) is now accepting applications for the 2026 academic year. This prestigious and highly competitive scholarship provides full tuition to two exceptional high school seniors from Bartholomew County, Indiana—offering a life-changing opportunity to pursue undergraduate education at any accredited four-year college or university within Indiana.

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🌟 About the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship

Launched in 1997–98 by the Lilly Endowment, the program has helped more than 5,400 Indiana students pursue higher education, contributing over $505 million in tuition assistance statewide.

The scholarship aims to:

• Increase the level of higher education attainment across Indiana.

• Highlight the role of local community foundations in educational development.

• Inspire recipients to contribute to Indiana through leadership, civic involvement, and community service.

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🎁 What the Scholarship Covers

Recipients will receive:

• Full tuition and required fees for four years of undergraduate study.

• An annual book and equipment stipend of up to $900.

• The freedom to attend any accredited public or private nonprofit four-year college or university in Indiana.

⚠️ Note: The scholarship does not cover room, board, or transportation expenses.

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✅ Eligibility Criteria – Bartholomew County Applicants

To qualify, applicants must:

• Be a resident of Bartholomew County, Indiana.

• Graduate from an accredited Indiana high school by June 2026.

• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.

• Demonstrate the following:

  • Strong academic achievement

  • Leadership ability

  • Active involvement in school and community

  • Strong character and financial need

• Be available for a mandatory in-person interview with the local selection committee.

• Intend to enroll full-time in a baccalaureate program at an Indiana college or university starting in Fall 2026.

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📌 Statewide Eligibility Guidelines (All Indiana Counties)

In general, applicants must:

• Be a resident of Indiana.

• Graduate from an Indiana-accredited high school.

• Attend a four-year Indiana college or university recognized by the Higher Learning Commission.

🗓️ Important: Deadlines and criteria may vary by county. Contact your local community foundation for specific details.

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🏅 Number of Awards

Each year, approximately 147 scholarships are awarded across Indiana’s 92 counties through local community foundations.

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📥 How to Apply (Bartholomew County)

• Visit: heritagefundbc.org/scholarships

• Review eligibility, gather documents, and complete the online application.

Application Deadline:
🗓️ Wednesday, August 22, 2025, by 4:00 PM (ET)
Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered.

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📞 Local Contact – Bartholomew County

Katy Bush
Scholarship Manager, Heritage Fund
📧 kbush@heritagefundbc.org
📞 812-376-7772

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🌐 Applicants from Other Counties

If you reside outside Bartholomew County, reach out to your local community foundation for specific application requirements and deadlines.

For general questions, contact:
Katie Goodrich
Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI)
📧 kgoodrich@icindiana.org
📞 317-684-4297

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does the Lilly Scholarship cover?
It provides full tuition, required fees, and up to $900/year for books and supplies—but does not include room, board, or travel costs.

Can I use this scholarship at an out-of-state school?
No. The award is only valid at accredited four-year colleges or universities within Indiana.

How are winners selected?
Selection is based on academic excellence, leadership, service, character, financial need, and a personal interview with the local selection panel.

Are deadlines the same statewide?
No. While Bartholomew County’s deadline is August 22, 2025, deadlines differ by county. Check with your local foundation for exact dates.

Can students from private high schools apply?
Yes. As long as your school is accredited in Indiana, you are eligible.

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✨ Take the Next Step Toward Your Future

If you’re a driven student with a passion for leadership and service, the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship could be your gateway to a debt-free college education—and a platform to make a lasting impact on Indiana’s future.

Ready to apply? Visit heritagefundbc.org/scholarships today!

APPLY HERE

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