INDIANAPOLIS — Indianapolis City-County Councillor Blake Johnson announced recently that the Eastside Emerging Leaders Scholarship is now accepting applications for its second year. 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 the Central Indiana Community Foundation.
In 2016, the Eastside Emerging Leaders Scholarship program awarded a total of $10,000 to five Eastside students.
“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.”
“I hope this program encourages our residents to play a larger role in making our communities safer and stronger, not just here on the Eastside, but throughout our city and state,” Councillor Johnson said. “It doesn’t matter how old you are or what your background is, you can make a difference, and we want to encourage these young people to keep up the good work.”
To apply for the scholarship, e-mail info@johnsonforcouncil.com for a link to the online application. The deadline for applications is April 28.