2009 Lilly Scholars Program Accepting Applications

Applications are being accepted now through January 9, 2009 for students wishing to become Lilly Scholars for the 2008-2009 academic year. Check with your high school guidance counselor, or call Lisa Caudill at the Foundation office- 665-6656. Steuben County will award two from our community.

Award:

The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program will provide scholarships for full tuition, required fees, and a special allocation of up to $800 per year for required books and required equipment for four years of undergraduate study on a full-time basis, leading to a baccalaureate degree at any Indiana public or private college or university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Requirements:
The program is open to all Indiana residents:

• who will have graduated by the end of June 2009 with a diploma from a regionally accredited Indiana high schooll; and
• who have been accepted to pursue a full-time baccalaureate course of study at an accredited public or private college or university in Indiana

Since the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program was first offered in 1998, Lilly Endowment has remained steadfast in its belief that education at all levels is indispensable to the personal, civic and economic well being of Indiana’s residents and communities. This education initiative is designed to help Hoosier students reach higher levels of education. Indiana ranks among the lowest states in the percentage of residents over the age of 25 with a bachelor’s degree.

Scholarships are a donor's way of offering continuing education opportunities for students- providing the keys to the future. Individuals and organizations who place a high value on education have contacted the Foundation to establish permanent funds that annually produce the revenue needed for granting to deserving students. For those going on to school in the 2007-2008 school year, SCCF awarded $55,100.

Most people think of scholarship recipients as straight-A students; rewarding academic ability makes sense. Yet average kids often work just as hard and show determination to learn. They too dream of college and careers, and someday B and C students will fill the majority of important roles in our society. History has shown that many so-so high school students had outstanding successes in life (for example, David Letterman).

As a donor, you can become as involved in the process as you choose to be- name the scholarship, help decide the selection criteria, serve on the committee that names the recipient, and even present the award at the student's school.

Some Things to Know:

• A permanent scholarship fund established at the Community Foundation will be carried out for generations to come (permanence).
• When creating a scholarship fund, donors have a great deal of flexibility in shaping the scholarship. You may decide how often the scholarship is awarded, a school the student comes from or must attend, the type of study or degree to be pursued, academic standing, status of graduate (traditional or non-traditional), participation in a specific course or activity (drama, math, 4-H), and much more (flexibility).
• By establishing a scholarship at the Community Foundation, you have essentially hired a permanent, experienced staff to administer your scholarship (accountability).
• In accordance with the law, a scholarship program must benefit a broad pool of applicants, and the selection process must not be discriminatory.
• SCCF honors each scholarship recipient with an award certificate, a bookmark that tells the story of the donor who made the gift possible, and an opportunity to attend the award banquet where the recipient can meet the donor.