Key Bank in Northern Indiana gave a multi-year gift of $50,000 to endow the heritage center and the work with the 21st Century Scholars program. The scholars program works with seventh and eighth graders from low and moderate income families. The students who enroll and fulfill a pledge of good citizenship to the state are guaranteed the cost of four years of college tuition.

Key Bank president Michael Dillon said “The primary goal behind Key’s philanthropic activity is to promote economic self-sufficiency. The 21st Century Scholars program is teaching participants the most important connection between voting rights and responsible citizenship.”

The Kellogg Fellows Leadership Alliance awarded $10,000 for an eight-week summer Leadership Academy for 20 high school and 14 college students. This award, along with $20,000 from the chancellor’s discretionary fund, funded the session. The African-American and Latino students participated in extensive exploration of English composition and civil rights history.

The students honed their skills in communications and the written word by studying the writing and principles of the civil rights movement. The students learned about local history and found common bonds in the writings and struggles. They also improved their chances of advancing to college and graduating.