Indianapolis, Indiana – When Carrie Kruse saw the words “Congratulations, you have been accepted” in her inbox, she could hardly contain herself. Sitting at her cubicle, the news hit like a tidal wave of excitement and relief. “I cried at my cubicle ‘cause I was so excited,” she said, remembering that life-changing moment. She immediately shared the news with her work best friend, then ran to tell her manager. “I was just over the moon,” she added.
Kruse is the kind of student the Lilly Scholars program at Ivy Tech was designed to support—driven, ambitious, and determined to carve out a career in one of Indiana’s fastest-growing industries. Pursuing both an associate degree in biotechnology and a biopharmaceutical manufacturing certificate, she represents a growing pipeline of talent prepared to meet the demands of the state’s expanding biotech sector.
The Lilly Scholars program is more than a scholarship. Covering tuition, fees, textbooks, certification exam costs, and even course supplies, it eliminates many of the financial hurdles that can prevent students from pursuing in-demand careers. Beyond monetary support, the program offers networking, hands-on experiences, and paid apprenticeships that can lead directly to full-time employment after graduation.
For Kruse, the program has already had a profound impact on her life. Originally from Terre Haute, she moved to Lebanon two years ago with her husband after a brief stop in Indianapolis. Choosing Ivy Tech Indianapolis for its small class sizes and accessible faculty, Kruse found an environment that encouraged learning and personal growth. “I love how I can always get a hold of my professor if I have questions or concerns,” she said. “Ivy Tech provides a really good education, and it helps a lot of people.”
Her Ivy Tech advisor encouraged her to apply for the Lilly Scholars program, and Kruse’s decision to take that leap changed everything. “It has helped me a lot in the sense that I’m now able to save up and be able to start a family sooner,” she said. The financial support has allowed her to focus on her education and career goals without the constant stress of tuition and living expenses, giving her room to dream bigger and plan ahead.
Kruse’s passion for biotechnology comes from her fascination with its combination of biology and technology. “I chose biotechnology because I loved how interesting it is. I love that it’s both biology and technology in one,” she explained. Receiving the scholarship boosted her confidence and reinforced her commitment to the field. “Getting this scholarship boosted my confidence … I love that I’m able to go to school and continue to grow in this field.”
The timing couldn’t be better. Lilly’s massive $13.5 billion investment in new facilities in Lebanon is transforming the local economy and bringing a wave of opportunities to Boone County. For Kruse, seeing the company expand so close to home is both inspiring and reassuring. “It’s comforting” to know Lilly will be in her backyard, she said. “We’re going to start a family here soon, so it’s reassuring to know these opportunities are coming. It’s good to know that more people will be here, and more money is coming into the community, which will boost the education system for my kids as well.”
Her story is a microcosm of the Lilly Scholars program’s larger mission: empowering Indiana students to pursue high-paying, in-demand careers in biotechnology, smart manufacturing, or industrial technology, all while strengthening the state’s workforce. By removing financial barriers, providing practical experience, and opening doors to local employers, the program ensures students can build futures without leaving home.
Kruse encourages anyone considering Ivy Tech or the scholarship to take a chance. “Apply for it. You never know,” she said. Her family’s reaction to the acceptance was immediate and heartfelt. “This scholarship has meant a ton to me. When I told my family, they were over the moon thrilled. They were like, ‘finally, you got a break,’” she said. “It’s meant a ton to my family … It’s just been wonderful.”
With her associate degree in biotechnology completed this summer and her biopharmaceutical manufacturing certificate on track for next spring, Kruse’s sights are set on long-term career goals. Eventually, she hopes to join Lilly as a full-time employee. “I’d love to get a job at Lilly down the road,” she said. “You always hear about how wonderful a company it is.” Her ambitions reflect both personal dedication and the growing opportunities that investment in local industry creates for the community.
Kruse’s journey illustrates the powerful connection between education, workforce development, and community growth. As Boone County continues to evolve into a hub for biotech innovation, students like her prove that strategic investments in both companies and education can change lives—one scholarship, one degree, and one career at a time.
The Lilly Scholars at Ivy Tech program remains open to high school seniors, career changers, and Indiana residents pursuing careers in biopharmaceutical manufacturing or related fields. By removing barriers and creating pathways to meaningful employment, the scholarship ensures that Hoosiers can not only dream about their future but actively build it, right where they live.
Kruse’s story is a reminder that opportunity, preparation, and determination can intersect in transformative ways. With companies like Lilly investing in communities and programs like Lilly Scholars empowering students, Indiana’s life sciences sector is poised for continued growth—and students like Kruse are leading the way.
