INDIANAPOLIS — Indianapolis-Marion County City-County Councillor Blake Johnson announced recently the launch of the Eastside Emerging Leaders Scholarship. The scholarship will be awarded to graduating high school seniors (or adults planning to enroll in postsecondary education for the first time) who have demonstrated a strong commitment to community service and volunteerism.
The scholarship program, which is open to residents and students in Council District 12, is being administered in partnership with the Historic Irvington Community Council and is funded by a portion of Councillor Johnson’s City Council salary, as well as contributions from local entrepreneur Chris Baggott and Community East Hospital.
“We have to do more to empower future leaders, and part of that work means doing what we can to lessen the financial burden of obtaining a degree,” said Councillor Johnson. “If we can chip away at the barriers to higher education and lessen the amount of debt these students take on, we’re taking powerful steps in the right direction.”
“The Historic Irvington Community Council is honored and very excited to be a partner with Councillor Johnson for this scholarship opportunity to students living in District 12,” said Chris Maroldo, Historic Irvington Community Council. “We look forward to working together.”
In addition to scholarship funding, scholarship recipients will be invited to participate in a summer leadership development opportunity as well as guided exploration in relevant fields.
The program intends to award a total of $10,000, in varying amounts, each year. Scholarship recipients must commit to going to school full-time and attempting 15 credits per semester (or 30 credits per year). The deadline to apply for the 2016-2017 academic year is April 1.