The Community Foundation of Boone County (CFBC) is pleased to announce the finalists for the 2027 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship for Boone County. Lilly Endowment Community Scholars are known for their community involvement, academic achievement, character, and leadership.
Congratulations to our nine finalists:
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- Samar Atmar, Zionsville Community High School
- Caroline Berg, North Central High School
- Lauren Conrad, Zionsville Community High School
- Abigail Gordon, Zionsville Community High School
- Isaak Kiell, Zionsville Community High School
- Kieran Rosenfeld, Zionsville Community High School
- Rebecca Roth, Covenant Christian High School
- Sophia Siciliano, Zionsville Community High School
- Kathleen Unroe, Zionsville Community High School
The finalists were evaluated on, but not limited to, the following criteria: community involvement, volunteerism, commitment to the State of Indiana, work experience, academic performance, school activities, short answer essays, and two letters of recommendation. The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship finalists recently participated in an interview process and the winners will be announced mid-December.
“Our nine finalists for the Class of 2027 represent some of Boone County’s most promising young leaders. Their dedication to service,commitment to their communities, and academic achievements are truly impressive. We are proud to recognize their accomplishments and look forward to seeing the impact they will continue to make in Boone County and beyond.”
The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship can be used for full tuition at any eligible Indiana public or private nonprofit college or university, required fees, and a special allocation of up to $900 per year. The special allocation may cover the costs for required books and equipment for four years of undergraduate study on a full-time basis leading to a baccalaureate degree.
The program, administered statewide by Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI) and locally in Boone County through the Community Foundation of Boone County, is open to all Indiana residents who:
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- claim residency in Boone County, Indiana
- are within the upper 20% of their high school’s graduating class after 6 semesters
- submit a complete online application including short answer essays, a personal statement, and two (non-school affiliated) letters of recommendation. One recommendation must be submitted by someone the student has worked with in a community service capacity.
- graduate from an accredited Indiana high school by 2027 and receive their diploma no later than June 30, 2027
- intend to pursue a full-time baccalaureate course of study at an eligible college or university in Indiana
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. More than 5,400 Indiana students have received Lilly Endowment Community Scholarships since the program’s inception.
The Community Foundation of Boone County exists to unite people, organizations, and philanthropy to create a thriving community for all. Since 1991, its leaders have worked to empower and engage local communities to make a difference right here in Boone County, while also leading a vision to collaboratively address the root causes of challenges facing Boone County in diverse and equitable ways. The Community Foundation continues to invest in the people working to fill local needs and has granted more than $33 million to nonprofit organizations and programs working to solve critical challenges in Boone County. With more than $46 million in net assets, the Community Foundation works with donors to create permanent funds for charitable giving, to strengthen Boone County for generations to come.
Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based, private philanthropic foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly Sr. and his sons Eli and J.K. Jr. through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. Although the gifts of stock remain a financial bedrock of the Endowment, it is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location. In keeping with the founders’ wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education and religion. The Endowment funds significant programs throughout the United States, especially in the field of religion. However, it maintains a special commitment to its founders’ hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana.
Since 1997, Independent Colleges of Indiana has administered the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program statewide with funding provided by Lilly Endowment Inc. Founded in 1948, ICI is the collective voice for Indiana’s private, nonprofit colleges and universities. ICI advances excellence and choice in higher education through advocacy, research, collaborative services, and the administration of scholarships and grants. ICI member institutions employ more than 22,000 Hoosiers and generate approximately $5.5 billion in economic impact statewide. Students at ICI colleges achieve Indiana’s highest four-year, on-time graduation rates, reflecting the important role independent higher education plays in developing talent, strengthening communities, and contributing to Indiana’s economy.