Franklin College Receives Lilly Endowment Inc. Grant to Engage Young Learners
Franklin College has been awarded a $244,740 grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. for the Indiana Youth Programs on Campus (IYPC), Round II initiative. The grant will sustain and enhance CampGRIZ, the College’s impactful summer camp experience for students entering grades 5–10.
The funding builds on a $489,840 Phase I implementation grant awarded in 2022 to launch CampGRIZ. The two-phase Lilly Endowment Inc. initiative supports Indiana colleges and universities in developing high-quality, on-campus programs that engage Hoosier youth ages 5–18.
CampGRIZ offers a week-long, immersive learning experience led by Franklin College faculty, emphasizing career exploration, postsecondary readiness and digital fluency. Designed to spark curiosity and build confidence, the program provides insights into the wealth of opportunities made possible by a college education and inspires campers to envision themselves as future college students.
“We are grateful for the continued support from Lilly Endowment Inc.,” said Andrew A. Hendricks, vice president of enrollment and marketing. “Through the Indiana Youth Programs on Campus we are introducing young learners to higher education in creative and engaging ways. Students experience firsthand how learning can be both meaningful and fun, and we hope this program inspires a lifelong passion for discovery. CampGRIZ would not be possible without this investment, and we look forward to building on its success in the years ahead.”
This summer’s CampGRIZ will take place Monday, June 8 through Friday, June 12. Enrollment is limited, and registration is required at bit.ly/CampGRIZ2026. Campers may choose from five tracks: Avian Adventures, Clay Creations, CSI: Franklin, The ElectroKART Lab and The Newsroom.