The Steuben County Community Foundation (SCCF) is pleased to announce the recipient of the
2026Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship for Steuben County: Daniel Koch of Angola
High School. Lilly Endowment Community Scholars are recognized for their community
involvement, academic achievement, character, and leadership.
"SCCF is thrilled to recognize this year's LECS recipient, whose outstanding academic record,
community involvement, leadership, and character truly set them apart. Their dedication to
service and commitment to their goals impressed the scholarship committee," said Lisa Biers,
SCCF's Vice President of Programs.
Each Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship provides full tuition, required fees, and up to
$900 per year for required books and equipment for four years of full-time undergraduate study
leading to a baccalaureate degree at any eligible Indiana public or private nonprofit college or
university. Scholars also join the Lilly Scholars Network (LSN), which connects them with
resources and opportunities to lead on campus and in their communities. Both the scholarship
program and LSN are supported by grants from Lilly Endowment to Independent Colleges of
Indiana (ICI).
"As a recipient myself, the Lilly Scholarship was a life-changing gift for me in 2005. It allowed
me to attend college in Indiana and remain connected to the community that raised and invested
in me. Now, serving on the committee, it's an honor and incredibly meaningful to help support
" The next generation of scholars as they begin their own journeys," shares Taryn Kaiser, 2005
Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Recipient and current selection committee member.
In nominating Steuben County's Lilly Endowment Community Scholar, the committee
considered Impromptu Essay, Presentation, and Interview. After narrowing the field of
applicants, nominees were submitted to Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICD, the statewide
administrator of the program, for final selection.
"We received many impressive applications this year, creating a highly competitive pool," shares
Lisa Biers, Vice President of Programs at SCCF. "Our review process ensures the chosen scholar
not only excels academically but also shows strong character and a genuine dedication to serving
the community."
Since its inception in 1997-98, Lilly Endowment has supported this program with tuition grants totaling more than $505 million, benefiting over 5,400 Indiana students. The program's primary purposes are:
To raise the level of educational attainment in Indiana.
To increase awareness of the beneficial roles Indiana community foundations play.
To encourage and support Lilly Scholars'engagement with Indiana leaders to improve quality of life statewide.