Indianapolis, Indiana – Magnim Apou Alemo’s journey into biotechnology began with curiosity, a desire to work with her hands, and a chance encounter at Ivy Tech Community College that would change her academic path forever. “I wanted something that would put me in the hospital, in a manufacturing company, or in the lab—somewhere I could work with my hands,” Alemo explained, reflecting on what initially drew her to the field. For Alemo, the hands-on nature of biotechnology perfectly aligned with her ambitions, but it was the Lilly Scholars program that opened doors she never imagined.
The Lilly Scholars at Ivy Tech initiative provides full tuition to eligible biotechnology students, along with mentorship and industry connections that give participants a meaningful edge as they prepare for careers in the life sciences. Alemo first learned about the program during a campus workshop, and the opportunity instantly resonated. She applied, was accepted, and quickly discovered that the program offered much more than financial support. “My school was paid for in full, and I had the opportunity to be invited to Eli Lilly, interact with employees, and learn how they work,” she said. “I saw them as mentors I can lean on to get to where I want to be.”
Through the Lilly Scholars program, Alemo has been able to combine classroom learning with real-world experience, gaining practical skills that make her career-ready. She is nearing the completion of her associate degree and notes that the guidance she received from Eli Lilly professionals has been transformative, not just academically but personally. The mentorship helped her gain confidence, learn industry expectations, and build a professional network that will continue to support her as she enters the workforce.
Alemo encourages other students to explore biotechnology, highlighting the field’s diverse career paths. From medical and cosmetic manufacturing to food production and medical device development, the sector offers opportunities both locally and globally. She points to the Lilly Scholars program as a critical stepping-stone, one that provides not just tuition support but a pathway into Indiana’s rapidly expanding biotech workforce.
Eli Lilly and Company’s investment in Indiana’s biotechnology education underscores a broader commitment to cultivating talent in the life sciences. By combining financial support, mentorship, and exposure to real-world lab environments, the Lilly Scholars program ensures that students like Alemo can pursue their ambitions without being limited by financial or professional barriers.
For Alemo, the program has already made a lasting impact. “I saw them as mentors I can lean on to get to where I want to be,” she said, emphasizing the importance of guidance and industry connections. With her associate degree almost complete, she looks forward to the next chapter of her career, armed with skills, confidence, and a network of professionals ready to support her journey. Programs like Lilly Scholars are reshaping the landscape of biotechnology education, giving students the tools to thrive in one of Indiana’s most promising industries.
This story is a testament to how targeted scholarships, mentorship, and early industry exposure can transform student aspirations into tangible career opportunities, building a workforce that is both skilled and inspired.
