The Indianapolis Urban League employs a five-point strategy tailored to local needs in order to implement the mission of our movement. The pillar of the five-point strategy is Education and Youth Empowerment: Ensuring that all of our children are well educated and prepared for economic self-reliance in the 21st century through our signature programs.
Annually, the Indianapolis Urban League awards the Project Ready Program and Indianapolis Urban League Education Matters scholarships to high school seniors planning to pursue a post-secondary education.
This year we are pleased to announce a new scholarship for adult learners and college students age 21 and older; the Indianapolis Urban League Education Matters – Adult Learner Scholarship. Please view the eligibility and application deadlines for all scholarships below.
Project Ready Program Scholarship
This scholarship is for seniors enrolled in the Project Ready Program offered at Ben Davis, Lawrence Central, North Central, and Warren Central high schools. Annually, the Project Ready Program awards eight, one-time, $2,500 post-secondary degree scholarships.
Who is Eligible?
- High school seniors currently enrolled in the Indianapolis Urban League Project Ready Program can apply for the Project Ready Scholarship.
Project Ready Program Scholarship Application Deadline:
- Monday, November 3 through Monday, February 9, 2026 applications are being accepted for the 2026 Project Ready Scholarship. The Application will close at 5:00 pm EST on Monday, February 9, 2026.
- Note, only completed applications, per the checklist, will be considered. Please review your application carefully before you hit submit
Indianapolis Urban League Education Matters Scholarship
High School Seniors (Class of 2025)
The Indianapolis Urban League Education Matters Scholarship for high school seniors awards a $2,000 renewable scholarship for four (4) years to African-Americans in Central Indiana who will be incoming college freshmen in the fall of 2026 pursuing a 2- or 4-year college degree from an accredited college or university. Students are required to enroll full-time and maintain a 2.5 GPA. The recipient must submit a college enrollment verification form and transcript to maintain the scholarship each year.
Who is Eligible?
- If you are a high school senior and enrolled in a public or private school in Marion County, you are eligible to apply for the Indianapolis Urban League Education Matters Scholarship for high school seniors (class of 2026).
Application Deadline:
- Monday, November 3 through Monday, February 9, 2026 applications are being accepted for the 2026 Education Matters Scholarship – High School Seniors. The Application will close at 5:00 pm EST on Monday, February 9, 2026.
- Note, only completed applications, per the checklist, will be considered. Please review your application carefully before you hit submit.
Indianapolis Urban League Education Matters Scholarship
for College Students and Adult Learners (Age 21 and older)
The Indianapolis Urban League Education Matters Scholarship for college students and adult learners awards a $2,500 renewable scholarship for African-American adult learners or college students over the age of 21 residing in Central Indiana who will be pursuing a from an accredited college or university. Priority consideration will be given to those pursuing a degree in education. The scholarship is awarded to be used for tuition and regularly assessed fees.
Who is eligible?
- Adult learners and college students over the age 21 residing in Central Indiana
What You Need Before You Start the Application
Once you start the application, you must finish it in one sitting.
Who Can Apply?
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Incoming college freshman (adult learner)
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Students currently enrolled in a college or university pursuing an undergraduate degree
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College or university graduates currently pursuing another degree
Applying as an Incoming College Freshman (Adult Learner)
You will need the following information:
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High school information (name, complete address, graduation year)
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Academic awards and/or honors received (list)
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Member organizations or clubs and extracurricular activities (list)
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High school transcript with all four years included (upload)
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Three reference letters in support of this scholarship opportunity combined into one document (upload)
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Essay:
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Describe the most important goal you hope to accomplish in your career and explain how continuing your college education will help you achieve it.
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Share what you know about the Indianapolis Urban League and why you believe you deserve this scholarship.
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Reflect on the life experiences that have shaped who you are today and how they influence your aspirations.
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Photo: Headshot to be used if selected as a scholarship recipient (upload)
Applying as a Student Currently Enrolled in a College or University (Undergraduate)
You will need the following information:
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Current college or university information (complete address, projected graduation date, cumulative GPA, major, and minor)
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Full transcript (upload)
-
Verification of current college enrollment (upload)
-
Student ID number
-
Academic awards or honors received (list)
-
Member organizations or clubs (list)
- Three reference letters in support of this scholarship opportunity combined into one document (upload)
-
Essay:
-
Describe the most important goal you hope to accomplish in your career and explain how continuing your college education will help you achieve it.
-
Share what you know about the Indianapolis Urban League and why you believe you deserve this scholarship.
-
Reflect on the life experiences that have shaped who you are today and how they influence your aspirations.
-
-
Photo: Headshot to be used if selected as a scholarship recipient (upload)
-
College transfer information is required if you have transferred to your current college or university (institution name and complete address, years attended).
Applying as a College or University Graduate Currently Pursuing Another Degree
You will need the following information:
-
Current college or university information (complete address, projected graduation date, cumulative GPA, major, and minor)
-
Full transcript (upload)
-
Verification of current college enrollment (upload)
-
Student ID number
-
Academic awards or honors received (list)
-
Member organizations or clubs (list)
- Three reference letters in support of this scholarship opportunity combined into one document (upload)
-
Essay:
-
Describe the most important goal you hope to accomplish in your career and explain how continuing your college education will help you achieve it.
-
Share what you know about the Indianapolis Urban League and why you believe you deserve this scholarship.
-
Reflect on the life experiences that have shaped who you are today and how they influence your aspirations.
-
-
Photo: Headshot to be used if selected as a scholarship recipient (upload)
-
College transfer information is required if you have transferred to your current college or university (institution name and complete address, years attended).
Application Deadline
The application will close at 5:00 p.m. EST on Monday, February 9, 2026.
Note: Only completed applications that meet all checklist requirements will be considered. Please review your application carefully before clicking Submit.
Additional Scholarship for high school seniors:
The Burke, Dabner, Rodman Family Scholarship and Scholarship Fund.
Click here for details.