PACERS FOUNDATION INC logo

David Benner Memorial Scholarship

PACERS FOUNDATION INC

Funding Amount

$2,500

Deadline

April 30, 2026

22 days left

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

David Benner Memorial Scholarship

Overview: The David Benner Memorial Scholarship honors the legacy of longtime Indiana Pacers media relations director David Benner. Awarded annually to students pursuing journalism and related fields.

About David Benner:

  • 1973 graduate of Center Grove High School

  • Attended Indiana University Bloomington and IUPUI

  • Began journalism career as copy boy at The Indianapolis Star

  • Joined sports staff, covering high schools, IU, Notre Dame, and Pacers (1983-1991)

  • Became Pacers Media Relations Director in 1994

  • Retired June 2022
  • Award Amount: $2,500 per scholarship (individual basis, annual)

    Geographic Scope: Indiana

    Eligibility Requirements

    Applicants must:

  • Be undergraduate students

  • Be enrolled at an Indiana college, university, two-year junior college, or community college

  • Have major in journalism, radio, TV, digital broadcasting, or related field
  • Deadline for 2026-27 Academic Year: April 30, 2026

    About the Scholarship

    The scholarship is supported by those who remember David and want to perpetuate his legacy.

    Contact Information

    Address: 125 S. Pennsylvania Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204 Email: foundation@pacers.com Phone: 317.917.2500

    How to Apply

    Four-Step Application Process

    #### Step One: Complete General Questions

  • Answer general eligibility and background questions

  • Confirms that you meet basic scholarship requirements
  • #### Step Two: Write Detailed Personal Statement

  • Provide thoughtful essay highlighting:

  • - Academic goals
    - Personal achievements
    - Career aspirations
  • Share your story and explain why you are a strong candidate
  • #### Step Three: Upload Current College Transcript

  • Submit your most recent college transcript

  • Demonstrates academic progress

  • Both official and unofficial transcripts acceptable (unless otherwise noted)
  • #### Step Four: Upload Letter of Recommendation

  • Request letter from a professor in your major

  • Letter should address:

  • - Academic ability
    - Character
    - Potential for success

    Required Materials Summary

    1. General eligibility questions (online form) 2. Personal statement essay 3. Current college transcript (official or unofficial) 4. Letter of recommendation from professor in major

    Deadline

    2026-27 Academic Year: April 30, 2026

    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    educationjournalism

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