Hard Rock Casino and Urban League Announce New Scholarship Program for HS Grads

By National Urban League
Published12 AM EDT, Sun Oct 13, 2024
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Hard Rock Casino of Northern Indiana and The Urban League of Northwest Indiana (Gary, IN) have united to support up to 30 local high school graduates in their pursuit of earning a degree from Indiana University Northwest. Through the program, graduates of any Gary-based high school are eligible to receive a fully funded, tuition-only scholarship as they work toward earning their associate or bachelor’s degree at IU Northwest. The new Do Well by Doing Good scholarship program will begin taking applications on July 17 at 5:30 p.m. at https://ulofnwi.communityforce.com/

This remarkable initiative aims to assist Gary’s youth in achieving their educational goals by eliminating financial obstacles related to tuition. Through this collaboration, these entities are investing in the community's future and empowering the upcoming generation of leaders. This scholarship not only grants access to higher education but also serves as a symbol of hope.

This exciting news was announced on Wednesday, July 17th at an event at Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana. Matt Schuffert, President of Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana, presented an oversized guitar shaped check for $250,000 to Dr. Vanessa Allen McCloud, President & CEO of the Urban League of Northwest Indiana to fund the program. Ellis G. Dumas, III, Chief of Staff for the City of Gary and Vicki Román-Lagunas, IU Northwest’s interim Chancellor, and Ken Iwama, Indiana University Vice President for Regional Campuses and Online Education also spoke at the event.

According to Schuffert, “Demonstrating to young people that their potential is limitless is what the Do Well by Doing Good Scholarship Program is all about and Hard Rock is proud to play a role in making it happen.”

“We are incredibly proud and supportive of this scholarship program created for Gary High School students. This program shows the power of community collaboration and partnership. When we work together, we can create opportunities for our young people to thrive and build their careers right here in Gary,” said Michael L. Suggs, Chief Operating Officer City of Gary. “This is a clear message to our youth that their dreams are achievable, and their potential is limitless,” he added.

“Research shows that a lack of finances can be a barrier to education for a large portion of first generation and low-income college students. This generous donation from Hard Rock serves as a commitment to eliminating financial barriers for Gary students seeking to pursue their career goals,” said Allen McCloud.

“The transformative power of this gift is truly unmatched, as the lives it will propel and the opportunities it will provide will lead to many student success stories,” said Román-Lagunas. “We could not be more grateful for Hard Rock’s and Urban League’s belief in the youth of Gary. These students are, without a doubt, our region’s future. This partnership is a premier example of the good that occurs when community partners’ visions align.”

Who is eligible?

  • Must be accepted as an incoming freshman pursuing a two or four-year degree at Indiana University Northwest
  • Students who graduated in 2024 from any Gary, Ind. high school (public, public charter, private, faith-based, or home-school)
  • Must have a 2.5 GPA or higher & be a Core 40 graduate
  • Must have completed 30-40 hours of Community Service/Volunteerism
  • Must complete FASFA annually
  • Must maintain a 2.5 GPA annually at IU Northwest

The tuition will be paid for up to four years based on FAFSA.

Application Process

·        Create an account at communityforce.com https://ulofnwi.communityforce.com/CREATEACCOUNT.ASPX

·        Fill out all sections of the online application

·        Upload your resume, transcript, IU Northwest acceptance letter, and proof of community service

·        Upload two letters of reference

·        Submit essay on topic listed in Community Force

·        Review the application

·        Submit the application