Bethel University was recently awarded $188,537 in grant dollars from Lilly Endowment Inc. through its initiative, Indiana Youth Programs on Campus (IYPC). These funds will be used to expand existing and add new on-campus academic summer camps in nursing, STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) and culture.
Through this program, Bethel aims to serve approximately 275 students over three years through academic camps in areas such as Introduction to Nursing, STEM, and Arts and Culture. Bethel University will collaborate with other community organizations with a focus on serving youth in traditionally underserved communities through higher education institutions.
Not only will these camps benefit students in the community, they will benefit the university by impacting enrollment, academic outcomes, college and career interest outcomes, and ongoing engagement with Bethel University.
“We are so excited about the opportunity these camps will provide for Bethel to serve students in our community. It is our goal to make students feel welcome and comfortable on our campus so that they can see the possibilities that higher education can open for them.” Says Brent LaVigne, Vice President for Institutional Advancement.
About Lilly Endowment
Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based, private philanthropic foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly Sr. and sons J.K. Jr. and Eli through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. While those gifts remain the financial bedrock of the Endowment, the Endowment is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location. In keeping with the founders’ wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education and religion and maintains a special commitment to its hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana.
About IYPC
Indiana Youth Programs on Campus (IYPC) is a new Lilly Endowment initiative designed to help Indiana colleges and universities in their efforts to create new or expand and enhance existing high-quality, on-campus programs for Hoosier youth, ages five to 18. Indiana public and private colleges and universities that have a physical campus in the state are eligible to participate. As of September 2022, the Endowment had awarded program implementation grants to 35 Indiana colleges and universities.