Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship

Geographic Scope: Owen County, Indiana

Eligibility: Owen County high school seniors who have demonstrated the highest achievements in:

• Academic excellence
• Service to their high school
• Involvement in the community
• Leadership
• Recognition through honors and awards earned while in high school

Award Details:

• Amount: Full tuition, required fees, and up to $900 per year for required books and required equipment
• Duration: Four years of undergraduate study on a full-time basis leading to a baccalaureate degree
• Eligible Institutions: Any eligible Indiana public or private nonprofit college or university

Selection Process:

• Scholarship committee evaluates applications and interviews finalists
• Uses criteria developed by OCCF's board of directors and approved by Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI)
• Committee recommends top finalists to OCCF board
• OCCF board endorsement leads to forwarding nominations to ICI for final selection
• Approximately 8 finalists compete annually

Program Background:

• Created by Lilly Endowment Inc. for the 1998-1999 school year
• Statewide initiative to raise educational attainment in Indiana and increase awareness of community foundation roles
• Over 5,000 Indiana students have received this scholarship since inception
• Tuition grants totaling over $439 million have been distributed
• Scholars are known for community involvement, academic achievement, character, and leadership