Marion, Ind. (Apr. 30, 2026) — Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) has received a $499,867 grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. through its Indiana Youth Programs on Campus initiative, supporting efforts to expand college access and engagement for students across the state.
The grant, part of the Endowment’s Indiana Youth Programs on Campus Round II, will fund programming over the next three years designed to bring Indiana students to IWU’s Marion campus for immersive educational experiences that introduce them to the opportunities of higher education.
“At IWU, we are committed to expanding access to Christ-centered higher education and helping students see that college is both possible and purposeful,” said Jon Kulaga, Ph.D., president of IWU. “We are grateful to Lilly Endowment for investing in Indiana’s young people and for partnering with us to inspire the next generation to pursue their calling and contribute meaningfully to their communities.”
The initiative focuses on engaging students at multiple stages of their academic journey, including elementary, middle, and high school participants. Through partnerships with local schools, IWU will host students on campus for programs that build academic confidence, provide exposure to college life, and highlight pathways to future careers.
“This grant allows us to deepen our partnerships with Indiana schools and create meaningful, hands-on experiences that help students envision themselves in college,” said Lauren Schneider, director of academic youth programs at IWU. “For many students, especially those who are first-generation, stepping onto a college campus can be transformative. It helps make higher education feel attainable rather than out of reach.”
Programs supported by the grant will include spring and summer campus experiences led by IWU faculty and staff, including the university’s Wildcats Summer Academy. The academy introduces students to a range of academic disciplines while fostering meaningful connections with faculty, staff, and current students. Among participating seniors, 48.9% enrolled in college in 2024, and 100% enrolled in 2025, underscoring the program’s role in helping students envision and pursue higher education.
Through on campus experiences, the grant provides scholarships and targeted programming for students who may face barriers to higher education. The goal is to build sustainable partnerships and programming models that continue to serve Indiana students beyond the life of the grant.
The Indiana Youth Programs on Campus initiative reflects Lilly Endowment’s broader commitment to helping more Indiana students pursue education beyond high school and encouraging them to live and work in the state after graduation.
By expanding early exposure to college environments and strengthening relationships with local schools, IWU aims to help more students recognize the value of higher education and take confident steps toward their future.
