Apply for a scholarship

Established by the African American Foundation in 2025, the Village Keepers Scholarship is intended to recognize outstanding black or black-biracial graduating seniors in Bartholomew County

Criteria

• Black or black-biracial student

• Resident of Bartholomew County

• Graduating senior from a Bartholomew County High School pursuing post-secondary education at an accredited institution (includes but is not limited to vocational, technical, 2-year and 4-year degree programs)

• Minimum 2.8 GPA on a 4.0 scale

• Other considerations that may be taken into account include financial need, community involvement, scholastic excellence, extracurricular activity participation, demonstrated leadership skills

Learn more about the scholarship and apply here

Purpose:
Supports individuals in earning or maintaining professional licenses or certifications across all fields, helping them secure the credentials needed for career advancement.

Use of Funds May cover:

• Exams or retakes

• Application or registration fees

• Required training or continuing education

• Background checks or fingerprinting

• Study materials or test prep

• License renewals

Eligibility:

Applicants must:

1. Be enrolled in or recently graduated from a college, university, or trade program.

2. Be pursuing or maintaining a license or certification.

3. Provide proof of progress (exam registration, application, or verification)
   
   Apply Here

The African American Foundation Scholarship is a renewable $1,500 award per academic year for an incoming first-year student attending Ivy Tech Community College or IU Columbus. The scholarship is funded by the African American Foundation of Bartholomew County, whose purpose is to inspire and equip people in five key areas: Leadership Development, Health Awareness, Arts and Culture, Economic/Career Development, and Education.

Applications must be submitted by August 31, 2026, for funding beginning in Fall 2026. The scholarship recipient will be notified by September 6, 2026. The $1,500 award will be paid in two installments: $750 in Fall 2026 and $750 in Spring 2027. Payments will be sent directly to the student’s college for application toward the student’s account. The recipient may request annual renewal for up to three additional academic years, subject to academic performance, and will receive mentoring from African American Foundation professionals.

Apply Here: https://forms.gle/ib9FvRMCV2bh88Y27

The following scholarships are available for students who are enrolled or attending Indiana University Columbus:

• IUC African American Foundation of Bartholomew County

• IUC Division of Education Minority Scholarship

• IUC Division of Education Minority Endowed Scholarship

• IUC Taylor Bros. Scholarship

• IUC Summerville Family Scholarship

Apply here: https://students.iupuc.edu/paying-for-college/scholarships/donor-funded/index.html