Scholarships for Students

Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program

The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship for Madison County is administered by the Madison County Community Foundation.

Madison County's Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship is awarded to two students, who will be provided eight semesters of full tuition, required fees, and a special allocation of $900 per year for required books and required equipment for four years of undergraduate study on a full time basis, leading to a baccalaureate degree at any Indiana public or private college or university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

In our selection process, applications will be reviewed by a committee of community members. Reviews are completed anonymously without disclosure of student or parent identity. Each Lilly finalist who is not selected as a recipient will be awarded a $1,000 scholarship from the Madison County Community Foundation.

The primary purposes of the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program are: 1) to help raise the level of educational attainment in Indiana; 2) to increase awareness of the beneficial roles Indiana community foundations can play in their communities; and 3) to encourage and support the efforts of current and past Lilly Endowment Community Scholars to engage with each other and with Indiana business, governmental, educational, nonprofit and civic leaders to improve the quality of life in Indiana generally and in local communities throughout the state.

Applications for 2027 will be available in August 2026. Contact Us for Help

Eligibility Requirements (subject to change each year)

Madison County’s Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship is open to students:

Who are residents of Madison County AND are a student of a Madison County* school for 12 months prior to the date of application. *Except for students who reside in MC but attend Daleville or Madison-Grant.
Who are in the Top 15% (weighted GPA) of their class academically after six (6) semesters (end of Junior year)
Who will graduate from an accredited Indiana high school in 2026 and receive their diploma no later than June 30, 2026 (a high school is considered accredited for purposes of the program if it is accredited by the State Board of Education or by a national or regional accreditation agency that is recognized by the State Board of Education.)
Who intend to pursue a full-time baccalaureate course of study at an accredited public or private Indiana college or university.
Who complete the application in full and submits by the stated deadline of September 15, 2025.

2026 Lilly Endowment Community Scholars

Caleb Shipley

Frankton High School

Caleb Shipley, a senior at Frankton High School, is known for his exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and deep commitment to both his school and community. Ranked third in his class with a 4.3 GPA, Caleb has pursued one of the most rigorous academic paths available, earning numerous College Board recognitions and National Merit distinction. A captain of both the football and wrestling teams, he has been honored for his character, integrity, and academic excellence. Beyond athletics, Caleb has invested extensively in service, from youth sports mentorship to Students in Action and National Honor Society projects, while also carrying significant responsibilities at home and maintaining employment to support his family. Caleb’s passion for physics has shaped his vision for the future. As he shared in his application, “Nothing propels me in life more than physics. For me, nothing in life could be more fulfilling than pushing the boundaries of human knowledge and understanding more about the fundamental nature of the universe.” He hopes to pursue a doctorate in physics and contribute to nuclear or plasma research.

Sydney Wagner

Liberty Christian High School

Sydney Wagner, a senior at Liberty Christian School, has distinguished herself through strong academics, broad leadership, and remarkable service to Madison County. Ranked second in her class with a 4.1 GPA, Sydney has earned multiple departmental awards and repeated placement on the Principal’s List. As Student Council President, she has dedicated more than 1,000 hours to planning schoolwide events, strengthening student engagement, and building a culture of connection. Her leadership extends into athletics as a cheerleader and an award-winning volleyball player. Sydney’s community involvement includes volunteer work with organizations such as Gathering of the Queens, the Christian Center, Legends League, and the Salvation Army. With a passion for hospitality and event management, she hopes to create spaces that bring people together. Sydney shares, “Many young women who don’t have a strong support system tend to replicate the cycle of poverty… My vision is to create a program… to empower young girls and teach them both educational tools and life skills that will help them thrive beyond the classroom.”