The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship is famous throughout most of the high schools in the state of Indiana. The LECS program provides 146 scholarships across the state of Indiana. LECSP scholarships are used for otherwise unreimbursed full tuition, required fees, and a special allocation of up to $900 per year. The special allocation may cover the costs for required books and required equipment for four years of undergraduate study on a full-time basis leading to a baccalaureate degree at any eligible Indiana public or private nonprofit college or university. But what exactly is the history behind the LECS program?
Lilly Endowment created the program in 1997 and ever since, it has awarded more than $428 million in tuition grants. 143 scholarships have been awarded annually. Lilly Endowment uses this program in order to continue encouraging many of Indiana’s most talented students to attend one of Indiana’s universities and, after graduation, pursue occupations in Indiana. The scholarship program is administered locally by Indiana community foundations, and statewide by Independent Colleges of Indiana with funding provided by Lilly Endowment
The purposes of the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship include helping raise the level of students obtaining an education, increasing awareness of how Indiana community foundations can be beneficial in their communities, and encouraging Indiana leaders to improve the quality of life in Indiana throughout the state.
Applicants must have a high school diploma from an accredited Indiana high school and they must be residents of the state of Indiana. Selection criteria, selection procedures, and application due dates vary by county. In order to apply, contact the community foundation in your county to learn more about the LECSP application process in your area.