The Indianapolis Foundation Announces 2026 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship for Marion County Recipients
The Indianapolis Foundation is pleased to announce the recipient(s) of the 2026 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship for Marion County:
- Nathanael Villa, Ben Davis High School
- Gino Duncan, Cathedral High School
- Desireé Rojas, Decatur Central High School
- Madeline Cloyd, Speedway Senior High School
- Anjolaoluwa Kellman, Herron-Riverside High School
- Maryam Gulban, Pike High School
- Thatin Lang, Perry Meridian High School
- Elicia Kotian, Purdue Polytechnic Englewood
- Eh Phu, Southport High School
- Samanne Mukai, Lawrence Central
- Eva Aguayo, Roncalli High School
Lilly Endowment Community Scholars are recognized for their community involvement, academic achievement, character, and leadership.
“Each Lilly Scholar represents a meaningful investment in Marion County’s future,” said Ahmed Young, President and CEO of the Indianapolis Foundation. “These students are talented, driven, and already making a difference in their schools and neighborhoods. By supporting their ambitions and enhancing financial accessibility to higher education, we are helping to cultivate the next generation of leaders and community builders.”
Recipients of the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship receive full tuition, required fees, and up to $900 per year each for 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. Scholars also join the Lilly Scholars Network (LSN), which connects them with resources and opportunities to lead on campus and in their communities. Both the scholarship program and LSN are supported by grants from Lilly Endowment to Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI).
“I was amazed by the students here in Marion County, who show up as both brilliant yet resilient. Reading and hearing their stories was inspiring, and a reminder that many families are working hard to make ends meet. These scholarships don’t just reward excellence; they help remove barriers so talented students can keep moving forward,” said John Thawnghmung, President of Indy Staffing, and member of the member of the selection committee for the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship for Marion County.
After narrowing the field of applicants, nominees were submitted to Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI), the statewide administrator of the program, for final selection.
Since its inception in 1997–98, Lilly Endowment has supported this program with tuition grants totaling more than $505 million, benefiting over 5,400 Indiana students. The program’s primary purposes are:
- To raise the level of educational attainment in Indiana.
- To increase awareness of the beneficial roles Indiana community foundations play.
- To encourage and support Lilly Scholars’ engagement with Indiana leaders to improve quality of life statewide.
About the Indianapolis Foundation: The Indianapolis Foundation, established on January 5, 1916, is one of the oldest community foundations in the nation and a trusted civic partner committed to strengthening Marion County. For more than a century, the foundation has worked alongside neighbors, nonprofits, and public and private partners to build a community where every resident can thrive. Guided today by the Equity Imperative 2030 strategic plan, the Indianapolis Foundation focuses on addressing the systems that shape opportunity—housing, economic mobility, health, and the environment. Through grantmaking, community leadership, and advocacy, the foundation seeks to create lasting conditions for a more just and connected Indianapolis.
About Lilly Endowment Inc.: Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based private philanthropic foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly Sr. and his sons Eli and J.K. Jr. through gifts of stock in Eli Lilly and Company. The Endowment supports community development, education, and religion, with a special commitment to Indianapolis and Indiana.
About Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI): Founded in 1948, ICI serves as the collective voice for Indiana’s 29 private, nonprofit colleges and universities. ICI institutions employ over 22,000 Hoosiers and generate a local economic impact of over $5 billion annually. Students at ICI colleges have Indiana’s highest four-year graduation rates and produce 30% of Indiana’s bachelor’s degrees while enrolling 20% of its undergraduates.
Recipients of 2026 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarships for Marion County
Photographs were not available for two 2026 Marion County Scholarship recipients.
