Class of 2027 graduates can apply for scholarships through Blue River Community Foundation

Shelby County high school students on track to graduate by June 30, 2027, can now apply for scholarships during Blue River Community Foundation’s summer scholarship cycle.

Students applying during this cycle are considered for both the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship and BRCF administered scholarship opportunities. Applicants must meet the minimum eligibility requirements for Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship consideration; however, all students are encouraged to apply for over 200 scholarships awarded through BRCF’s Scholarship Program.

The deadline to apply is Sept. 1, 2026.

Lilly Endowment Scholarship Program

Blue River Community Foundation (BRCF) partners with Lilly Endowment Inc. to select one Shelby County high school senior as a nominee for the 2027 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program.

Independent Colleges of Indiana on behalf of Lilly Endowment Inc. will make final scholarship decisions and notify BRCF of their decision by Dec. 11, 2026. BRCF will notify the recipient of the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship no later than Dec. 21, 2026.

The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program is designed to:

• Help raise the level of educational attainment in Indiana
• Increase awareness of the beneficial roles Indiana community foundation can play in their communities
• Encourage and support the efforts of current and past Lilly Endowment Community Scholars to engage with each other and with Indiana business, governmental, educational, nonprofit, and civic leaders to improve the quality of life in Indiana generally and in local communities throughout the state

As the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program celebrates its 30^th year in Shelby County, BRCF will continue administering this life-changing opportunity for local students.

“For three decades, this scholarship program has opened doors for students across our community,” said Julie Alvis, Communications and Scholarships Director at BRCF. “We are grateful to Lilly Endowment Inc. for its continued investment in local students and their futures. This opportunity allows recipients to focus on their education and career goals while easing the financial burden of college tuition.”

The scholarship provides full tuition, required fees and a special allocation of up to $900 per year for required books and required equipment not otherwise covered 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. The program awards 147 scholarships statewide.

Minimum requirements that must be met for consideration include:

• Reside in Shelby County
• Graduate by the end of June with a diploma from a regionally accredited Indiana High School
• Intend to pursue a full-time baccalaureate course of study at an accredited public or private college or university in Indiana
• Demonstrate participation in community activities, leadership skills in school, community, and/or extracurricular activities, and commitment to academics and ability to succeed at the next level
• Must have a minimum 3.5 GPA and a minimum 1100 score on SAT or ACT equivalent

Lilly Endowment created LECSP for the 1997-98 school year and has supported the program every year since with tuition grants totaling more than $505 million. Over 5,400 Indiana students have received Lilly Endowment Community Scholarships since the program’s inception, including 45 Shelby County recipients.

BRCF Scholarship Program

Blue River Community Foundation administers 122 scholarship funds established by caring and generous donors who are passionate about supporting students as they pursue their post-secondary educational goals. During the most recent cohort, BRCF administered funds awarded 248 scholarships among 167 students for a combined total of $541,000.

High school applicants who complete the summer cycle application in full are considered for all scholarships administered by BRCF for which they are eligible.

Students currently pursuing undergraduate, graduate, or professional degrees, as well as nontraditional students are encouraged to apply for BRCF scholarships during the foundation’s winter scholarship cycle which opens Nov. 1, 2026, for the 2027-2028 academic year. High school students not applying during the summer application cycle may also apply during the winter cycle; however, they will not be considered for the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship.

For a complete list of these scholarship funds, go to the foundation’s website at blueriverfoundation.com.

For more information on the summer scholarship application cycle, contact Julie Alvis at 317-392-7955, extension 102, or jalvis@blueriverfoundation.com.

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