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
Application Deadline:
- Monday, November 3 through Tuesday, November 18, 2025 applications are being accepted for the 2025 Education Matters Scholarship – Adult Learners. The Application will close at 5:00 pm EST on Tuesday, November 18, 2025.
- Note, only completed applications, per the checklist, will be considered. Please review your application carefully before you hit submit.
Additional Scholarship for high school seniors:
The Burke, Dabner, Rodman Family Scholarship and Scholarship Fund.
Click here for details.