By Chris Bavender
The Community Foundation of Boone County is accepting applications for the 2019 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship, which covers full tuition to a four-year Indiana school of the recipient’s choice and a $900 stipend for books and supplies.
“The Lilly Scholarship is considered one of the most prestigious scholarships in the state. Not only do students get four-year, full-ride tuition to any college in Indiana, they have the honor of forever representing their community as the Lilly Scholar,” said Ali Maxey, philanthropic services coordinator for the foundation. “It means something different for each student who receives it. Some may not have completed a four-year degree otherwise. For others, it may mean their dream of going to medical school or graduate school will be a reality due to (receiving) funding for their undergraduate program.”
An average of 60 students apply through the Community Foundation of Boone County each year. Each of Indiana’s 92 counties awards a number of scholarships based on population.
J.K. Lilly Sr. and his sons, Eli and J.K. Jr., founded Lilly Endowment, Inc. in 1937. The endowment’s objective is to “nurture the human spirit, intellect and character.” The Lilly Endowment Scholarship program was launched in 1998 and is administered by Independent Colleges of Indiana.
The top nine applicants are interviewed by the Lilly Scholarship Committee. Two are chosen and surprised with the news at their school.
“It’s always a difficult decision for the committee,” Maxey said. “The students who apply truly exemplify the best of our community. They are all worthy of the honor.”
To apply, visit communityfoundationbc.org/scholarships/lilly-endowment-community-scholarships/.
