Lilly Scholarship
Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program
Two Full-Tuition Scholarships Available to Outstanding Madison County Students
The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship (LECS) is one of Indiana's most prestigious scholarship opportunities. Administered locally by the Madison County Community Foundation as part of the statewide Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program, two Madison County students are selected each year to receive this award.
Recipients receive full tuition for up to eight semesters, required fees, and a special allocation of up to $900 annually for required books and equipment while pursuing a full-time bachelor's degree at an eligible Indiana public or private nonprofit college or university.
Eligible students must graduate from an accredited Indiana high school and meet both the statewide program requirements and the Madison County Community Foundation's local scholarship criteria. Applications are reviewed anonymously by a committee of community volunteers based on academic achievement, leadership, service, work experience, character, and essays. Finalists participate in interviews before two scholarship recipients are selected. Final approval is made by Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI).
As part of our commitment to recognizing exceptional students, each Madison County finalist who is not selected as a Lilly Endowment Community Scholar receives a $1,000 scholarship from the Madison County Community Foundation.
Since its creation in 1998, the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program has helped thousands of Indiana students pursue higher education while encouraging community leadership and civic engagement throughout the state.
Application Open: August 10, 2026 - September 10, 2026
Eligibility Requirements (subject to change each year)
Applicants Must:
Be a resident of Madison County and have attended a Madison County school for at least 12 months before the application deadline. An exception applies to Madison County residents who attend Daleville or Madison-Grant schools.
Rank in the top 15% of their class, based on weighted GPA after six semesters, or the end of junior year.
Graduate from an accredited Indiana high school in 2027 and receive their diploma no later than June 30, 2027.
Plan to pursue a full-time bachelor’s degree at an eligible public or private college or university in Indiana.
Complete the application in full and submit it by September 10, 2026.
For purposes of the program, an accredited high school is one accredited by the Indiana State Board of Education or by a national or regional accrediting agency recognized by the State Board.
Application and Selection Process
Application
The Madison County Community Foundation works with local high school guidance offices to invite eligible students to apply for the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship.
Applications Open: August 10, 2026
Application Deadline: September 10, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
High schools verify each applicant's eligibility before the review process begins.
Selection Process
Applications are evaluated through a fair, multi-step review process designed to ensure confidentiality and objectivity.
Applications are reviewed anonymously by trained evaluators from outside Madison County using a standardized scoring rubric.
Applicants are evaluated based on:
Community engagement and service
Leadership and initiative
Character and integrity
Experiences and responsibilities
Academic achievement and future goals
Financial need
The highest-scoring applicants advance to finalist interviews conducted by a volunteer selection committee composed of Madison County Community Foundation board and community members. Committee members adhere to a strict conflict of interest policy.
Final nominations are submitted to Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI), which approves the scholarship recipients.
Each Madison County high school is represented in the finalist pool based on graduating class size, ensuring students from schools across the county have the opportunity to compete for the scholarship.
Interviews
Finalists will participate in 20-minute, in-person interviews on the evening of Wednesday, October 28, 2026.
Interview questions will be provided one week in advance.
Finalists will be evaluated equally on verbal communication, nonverbal communication, and response content.
Final selections will be based on:
Application score: 50%
Interview score: 50%
Following committee discussion and scoring, two nominees and alternates will be submitted to Independent Colleges of Indiana for final approval.
Optional Mock Interviews
Optional mock interviews will be offered the weekend before finalist interviews. Community volunteers who are not part of the selection committee will provide interview practice and help finalists become familiar with the interview space.
Times will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Participation and performance will have no bearing on the official interview or selection process.
2027 Application and Selection Timeline
August 10, 2026: Application opens.
September 10, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.: Application deadline.
September 2026: High schools confirm applicant eligibility.
Mid-October 2026: Finalists are selected and notified.
October 21, 2026: Finalists receive interview questions.
Saturday, October 24, 2026: Optional mock interviews are offered.
Wednesday, October 28, 2026: Finalist interviews are held.
Following interviews: Two nominees and alternates are submitted to Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI) for final approval.
After ICI approval: All finalists are notified. Non-recipients receive a personal phone call, while recipients are surprised with an in-person announcement at their school.
Following selection: Each finalist who is not selected as a Lilly Endowment Community Scholar receives a $1,000 scholarship from the Madison County Community Foundation.
2026 Lilly Endowment Community Scholars
Caleb Shipley
Frankton High School
Purdue University
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
Butler University
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.”
Current Lilly Endowment Community Scholars
Jaylin Hernandez
2025
Anderson
Purdue University
Austin Perny
2025
Pendleton Heights
Purdue University
Vanessa McNeal
2023
Anderson PA
Butler University
Seth Chester
2024
Alexandria
Rose Hulman
Ryan Mason
2023
Anderson
Purdue University
Camille Yancey
2024
Pendleton Heights Butler University