The 2027 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship application is now available in Gibson County through the Gibson Community Foundation. The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program (LECSP) will provide 147 scholarships statewide, including one in Gibson County. LECSP scholarships may be used for otherwise unreimbursed full tuition, required fees, and a special allocation of up to $900 per year. The special allocation may cover the costs of required books and equipment for four years of full-time undergraduate study, leading to a baccalaureate degree at any eligible Indiana public or private nonprofit college or university. The program, administered statewide by Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI) and locally in Gibson County through the Gibson Community Foundation, is open to all Indiana residents who: Graduate from an accredited Indiana high school by 2027 and receive their diploma no later than June 30, 2027 Intend to pursue a full-time baccalaureate course of study at an eligible college or university in Indiana Meet the criteria specific to their local community foundation. Visit the Gibson County Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship page for complete information regarding the Gibson County application criteria and to apply. Applications must be completed and submitted by Friday, August 14, to be considered.  Applications will be evaluated on, but not limited to, the following criteria: academic performance, school activities and work experience, community service, volunteer activities, personal statement/unusual circumstances, impromptu essay, and interview. Three finalists will be nominated by the Gibson Community Foundation, and their names will be submitted to ICI for final selection of the recipients. The scholarship recipient will be notified in December. Lilly Endowment created LECSP for the 1997-98 school year and has supported the program every year since with tuition grants totaling more than $505 million. More than 5,400 Indiana students have received Lilly Endowment Community Scholarships since the program’s inception. The primary purposes of LECSP 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. The Community Foundation of Southwest Indiana is again pleased to offer LECSP for its 30th year in Gibson County. “We encourage all eligible high school seniors to apply. The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program is a life-changing opportunity, and we’re here to support students through every step of the process,” said Melinda Waldroup, Chief Program Officer.

An educator with the North Gibson School Corporation for over 40 years, Betty Ann McCullough was also a strong advocate for education in her community. The Betty Ann McCullough Education Seminar and Convocation Grant helps Gibson County schools host programs that strengthen educators’ skills in science, mathematics, and language arts. The Enrichment Project Grant supports schools, libraries, and public education organizations with innovative projects and equipment that expand learning opportunities for Gibson County residents. 2026 Education Seminar and Convocation Grant Recipient & Program Funded: East Gibson School Corporation | $10,000: Professional development presented by Dr. Todd Whitaker, one of the nation’s leading authorities on teacher and principal effectiveness, staff morale, teacher leadership, and school culture and climate 2026 Enrichment Project Grant Recipients & Programs Funded: East Gibson School Corporation | $630: Admission for Wood Memorial Middle & High School students to attend Physics Fun Day at Holiday World East Gibson School Corporation | $350: Tickets for Wood Memorial Intro to Sociology students to attend the International Food Expo at the University of Southern Indiana as part of a greater learning experience Haubstadt Community School | $275: Development of the Smart Space Project to enhance learning for students by creating a low-distraction environment Junior Achievement of Southwestern Indiana | $3,000: Financial, career, and entrepreneurship education programs for 1,500 Gibson County students Mudpuppy Palace | $1,800: Purchase of STEAM, nature exploration, and literacy activity supplies for monthly programs North Gibson Education Foundation | $2,930: Math and science instruction items for middle grades Owensville Community School | $600: STEM kits for 4 th grade students Gifts like this one carry Betty Ann's lifelong commitment to her students and community forward into a new generation of classrooms. We are grateful to everyone who has supported this fund and the educators and students it serves across Gibson County. To learn more about the Betty Ann McCullough Education Fund or to make a contribution in her honor, please contact us.