Unlocking Opportunities: A Guide to Hendricks County Scholarships

Hendricks County, Indiana, recognized as the second fastest-growing county in the state, presents a promising environment for students pursuing higher education. Beyond its dynamic growth, a significant advantage for its residents lies in the availability of numerous college scholarships. These scholarships are vital in enabling students to achieve their academic aspirations. A cornerstone of this support system is the Hendricks County Community Foundation, which has been instrumental in awarding over $3.7 million in scholarship funds since 1996. This article delves into the various scholarship opportunities available to Hendricks County students, focusing on the role of the Hendricks County Community Foundation and other avenues for financial aid.

The Hendricks County Community Foundation: A Pillar of Educational Support

The Hendricks County Community Foundation (HCCF) stands as a trusted community partner, dedicated to understanding local needs, aligning resources, and empowering individuals to address current priorities while building a stronger future. The Foundation manages assets exceeding $31 million through various funds established by individuals, families, businesses, and organizations for charitable purposes. In 2024 alone, the HCCF distributed over $2.2 million in grants to charitable organizations and scholarships to local students.

The mission of the Hendricks County Community Foundation is to be a trusted community partner in understanding needs, aligning resources, and empowering people to address today’s priorities and create lasting impact. Their vision is Hendricks County as a place where everyone has the opportunity to have a fulfilling life and the tools they need to build a stronger future together.

HCCF's Scholarship Programs

The HCCF plays a pivotal role in administering scholarships, managing 13 distinct scholarship funds in addition to the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program (LECSP) for Hendricks County. These scholarships are made possible through the generosity of donors who are committed to higher education and dedicated to supporting Hendricks County high school seniors in their pursuit of degrees.

Since 1996, the Community Foundation has awarded nearly 500 scholarships worth over $3.7 million.

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Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program (LECSP)

The Hendricks County Community Foundation is entrusted with administering the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program in Hendricks County. This prestigious program offers significant financial assistance to students pursuing a baccalaureate degree at any Indiana public or private nonprofit college or university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

The LECSP provides scholarships for otherwise unreimbursed full tuition, required fees, and a special allocation of up to $900 per year for required books and required equipment for up to eight semesters/12 quarters of undergraduate study on a full-time basis.

LECSP Goals and Local Implementation

An overriding goal of the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program is to help meet the scholarship needs of students in the state of Indiana as identified and articulated within local communities. The program allows community foundations wide latitude to develop the student scholarship application and nomination criteria and procedures. In 2023 the HCCF Board of Directors approved an updated and new framework for the LECSP in Hendricks County.

Lilly Scholars at Ivy Tech and Purdue

Lilly Scholars have opportunities at both Ivy Tech and Purdue.

Lilly Scholars at Ivy Tech:

Deadline: November 1, 2025 - You also must apply to Ivy Tech and be accepted prior to applying to the Lilly Scholars at Ivy Tech program.
These scholarships cover all tuition and assessed fees at Ivy Tech, including textbooks, consumable fees (which are fees for course supplies, tests, licenses, etc.), and certification exam fees!
The scholarship is renewable for up to eight semesters, as long as eligibility requirements are met.
The scholarship also includes experiential learning and opportunities to apply for summer and/or work-study programs.

Lilly Scholars at Purdue:

Deadline: November 1, 2025 - You also must apply to Purdue and be accepted prior to applying to the Lilly Scholars at Purdue program.

Application Process and Requirements for HCCF Scholarships

The application process for all scholarships at the Hendricks County Community Foundation opens on August 6 and closes on September 3. HCCF scholarship applications are completed online and all use the same application.

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While requirements vary from scholarship to scholarship, applying students are generally required to:

Submit official transcripts
Meet a minimum grade point average
Obtain letters of recommendation
Demonstrate a certain level of financial need

Additional Scholarship Opportunities

Beyond the HCCF, Hendricks County students can explore scholarship opportunities offered by nearby colleges and universities, such as:

Franklin College
Wabash College
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College

Other Scholarship Programs to Consider

Wabash Valley Community Foundation Scholarships: The Wabash Valley Community Foundation has several scholarships available for Hendricks County students!
Hendricks Power Cooperative Scholarships: Hendricks Power Cooperative is continuing its scholarship program in 2026. The co-op will award six scholarships, each worth $1,500, toward college tuition or a school of higher education for graduating seniors. Hendricks Power Cooperative has been committed to the communities we serve for over 85 years. This commitment inspired our scholarship program, which assists local students in fulfilling their dreams for higher education. This scholarship program was developed to encourage the sons and daughters of our members to further their education and become more aware of careers in the rural electric industry.

Other Scholarship Opportunities

For Graduate Students in Education: Applicant must be a full-time graduate student in any field of education and a member in good standing of Phi Delta Kappa.
For Future Teachers: Applicant must be an Indiana resident with a minimum 2.0 GPA who agrees to teach in Indiana upon certification. Applicant must be a black or Hispanic Indiana resident with a minimum 2.0 GPA who agrees to teach in Indiana upon certification.
For Oratorical Skills: Applicant must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident under 20 years of age, must be attending high school or junior high, and must compete in the American Legion oratorical contest at the national level. Applicant must be a student under the age of 20, participate in local contests and must attend an Indiana high school.
For Broadcasting Students: Applicant must have a career interest in the technical aspects of broadcasting and must be recommended by two members of the SBE. Preference is given to SBE members and applicants who are employed at least part-time in broadcast engineering.
For Academic Excellence and Financial Need: Applicant must rank in the upper 10 percent of their graduating class, have a minimum combined SAT score of 1300 and/or a composite ACT score of 30, in addition to being admitted to the university by December 1 of their high school senior year. Applicant must be an Indiana resident and demonstrate financial need.
For IBHA Youth Participants: Applicant must be a member of IBHA who has participated in IBHA Youth events for a minimum of two years.

Importance of Pharmaceutical Manufacturing in Indiana

It is worth noting that the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry contributes significantly to Indiana's economy, providing high-paying jobs and driving innovation to help patients. While not directly a scholarship, this highlights the importance of education and career opportunities within the state.

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