Monroe County, Indiana – Students in Monroe County with dreams of attending college in Indiana now have an exciting opportunity to make those dreams a reality. The Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County (CFBMC) has officially opened applications for the highly regarded Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program (LECSP) for 2026. This program has become a life-changing opportunity for thousands of Hoosier students over the past several decades, and it continues to offer a meaningful path for local students to achieve their higher education goals without the heavy burden of tuition debt.
Since its creation in the 1997-1998 academic year, the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship has helped over 5,400 students across Indiana attend college, distributing more than $505 million in tuition grants. The program’s longevity speaks to its success and impact, especially in helping young people stay rooted in Indiana as they pursue their futures. This year, two students in Monroe County will be chosen for this competitive scholarship, which covers full tuition, mandatory fees, and up to $900 per year for required books and equipment at any eligible Indiana public or private nonprofit college or university.
Administered statewide by Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI) and locally by CFBMC, this scholarship is open to Indiana residents who meet specific criteria. To be eligible, applicants must graduate from an accredited Indiana high school by June 30, 2026, and plan to pursue a full-time baccalaureate degree at an Indiana college or university. For Monroe County residents, further eligibility details and guidelines are available on the CFBMC website at www.cfbmc.org.
Tina Peterson, President and CEO of CFBMC, emphasized the importance of this scholarship to the local community, saying, “The Lilly Endowment and Independent Colleges of Indiana continue to make a profound impact by empowering local students to pursue their higher education goals right here in our state.” She added, “Through the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship, students can explore a wide range of academic opportunities at Indiana’s four-year colleges and universities. This connection strengthens both their personal growth and our region’s future workforce. It’s an investment in both promise and place.”
Peterson also encouraged students, parents, and educators to help spread the word about this unique opportunity, noting that the application deadline is August 18, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. “We urge families and educators across Monroe County to help spread the word about this life-changing opportunity,” said Peterson. “With the application deadline arriving near the beginning of the school year, now is the time to apply. We are always inspired by the talent and potential of our local applicants and are excited to support the next generation as they pursue their education and careers in the Indiana Uplands.”
Who Can Apply and What Are the Requirements?
To qualify for the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship in Monroe County, applicants must be legal residents of Monroe County and must either currently attend or have attended an accredited Monroe County high school or the Indiana Academy for at least three consecutive years, including senior year. They must also graduate by June 2026. Eligible schools include well-known local institutions such as Bloomington High School North, Bloomington High School South, Edgewood High School, The Academy of Science and Entrepreneurship, among others.
Academic performance is key. Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.70 or higher on a weighted four-point scale through the end of their junior year. Furthermore, students should be planning to enroll in full-time undergraduate studies at an Indiana college or university starting in the fall of 2026.
Finalists must also be available to participate in an interview on the evening of October 20 or 21, 2025, which will play a significant role in the selection process.
How the Selection Process Works
The application process for the Monroe County Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship is known for its thoroughness and attention to fairness. Initial applications are blindly reviewed and independently scored by Lilly Scholarship committees at each high school in Monroe County. Each school selects semifinalists based on the size of its senior class.
Once semifinalists are identified, they will be asked to submit additional materials by September 24, 2025, including detailed application responses and reference recommendations. These applications are then reviewed by the Community Foundation Scholarship Selection Committee, which consists of community members and a former Monroe County Lilly Scholar. This committee carefully scores the applications, focusing on academic achievements, leadership skills, civic engagement, school citizenship, and community service.
After this step, ten finalists will be chosen for interviews in October. The interviews, combined with the written application evaluations, determine the nominees. CFBMC will forward these recommendations to Independent Colleges of Indiana, Inc. (ICI), which makes the final decision. Scholarship recipients will be officially notified in December 2025.
What Sets This Scholarship Apart
The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship is unique because it isn’t based solely on academics. While academic excellence is certainly important, the program seeks out students who show leadership, community involvement, and a clear potential to make a difference both locally and statewide. It rewards students who contribute positively to their schools and communities and encourages them to continue doing so as they pursue their education.
The scholarship also plays a vital role in fulfilling the Endowment’s broader goals. These include raising educational attainment in Indiana, promoting the work of local community foundations, and encouraging scholars to stay engaged with one another and with leaders across the state to improve life for all Hoosiers. In this way, the scholarship is not just an award but a long-term investment in Indiana’s communities.
A History of Impact
Over nearly three decades, the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship has become a cornerstone of opportunity for Indiana’s brightest students. The program reflects the Endowment’s commitment to higher education, community development, and long-term investment in Indiana’s future workforce. Projects like this ensure that talented students have pathways to success without the crushing burden of tuition costs.
In Monroe County alone, 38 previous projects have benefitted from LECSP, and countless students have gone on to successful careers, remaining active contributors to the region’s economy and civic life. The hope is that recipients will not only excel academically but also give back to their communities through their careers and public service.
Encouraging More Students to Apply
CFBMC wants to make sure every eligible student in Monroe County knows about this opportunity. Families, school counselors, and community organizations are all encouraged to share this information widely. This scholarship is not just about individual achievement; it’s about supporting the county’s future leaders and ensuring that Monroe County continues to thrive through education and civic engagement.
Students interested in applying or learning more about the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship can visit https://cfbmc.org/lasting-impact/apply-for-a-scholarship/lilly-scholarship/. Additional questions can be directed to Marcus Whited, Program Director at CFBMC, at 812-333-9016 or [email protected].
The Community Foundation remains proud to partner with Independent Colleges of Indiana and Lilly Endowment Inc. to offer this transformational scholarship and looks forward to another year of discovering Monroe County’s most promising future leaders.
