AUBURN -- Applications are now available for the 2027 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship in DeKalb County through the Community Foundation DeKalb County.
The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program will provide 147 scholarships statewide, including one scholarship for a DeKalb County student. The scholarship provides funding for otherwise unreimbursed full tuition, required fees and a special allocation of up to $900 per year. The additional funding may be used for required books and equipment during four years of full-time undergraduate study leading to a bachelor's degree at an eligible Indiana public or private nonprofit college or university.
The program is administered statewide by Independent Colleges of Indiana and locally in DeKalb County through the Community Foundation DeKalb County. Eligible applicants must graduate from an accredited Indiana high school by 2027, receive their diploma by June 30, 2027, plan to pursue a full-time bachelor's degree program at an eligible Indiana college or university, and meet local application requirements.
Students can find complete application information through the Community Foundation DeKalb County website. Applications must be completed and submitted by Aug. 31, 2026, to be considered. Applications will be reviewed based on several factors, including academic achievement, SAT or ACT scores, involvement in school and community activities, community service, employment and internship experience, financial need, and responses to essay questions.
Finalists will participate in an interview process focused on leadership, service, character and their potential to make a future impact. The Community Foundation DeKalb County will nominate three finalists, whose names will be submitted to Independent Colleges of Indiana for final selection. The scholarship recipient will be notified in December. The foundation has awarded the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship since 1998. The 2027 award will mark the 46th scholarship presented to a DeKalb County student.
"The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship recognizes students who have demonstrated academic achievement while also showing a genuine commitment to serving others, leading with integrity and making a positive impact in their communities," said Tanya Young, executive director and CEO of the Community Foundation DeKalb County.
Young encouraged eligible students to apply and said the foundation looks forward to learning about applicants' experiences, goals and plans for using their education to strengthen their communities. The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program was created for the 1997-98 school year and has provided more than $505 million in tuition grants to more than 5,400 Indiana students since its creation.
The program's goals include increasing educational attainment in Indiana, highlighting the role of community foundations and encouraging scholarship recipients to engage with leaders across the state to improve their communities.
Lilly Endowment Inc., based in Indianapolis, was created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly Sr. and his sons Eli and J.K. Jr. through gifts of stock in Eli Lilly and Company. The foundation supports causes including community development, education and religion, with a particular focus on Indiana and Indianapolis.