Lilly Scholars Network Academy
Applications for the 2026 Class are now closed! Stay tuned for for details about our next iteration of this program.
Welcome to the LSN Academy
The LSN Academy, a statewide program of the Lilly Scholars Network (LSN), is a comprehensive learning opportunity focused on Indiana. The Academy is designed for alumni of the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program (LECSP), who currently live in Indiana. The second class of the LSN Academy is planned for January – August 2026.
Participants from a diverse array of backgrounds will be selected to participate with consideration given to applicants’ commitment to lead and serve in Indiana, demonstrated leadership potential through community, educational and/or professional experiences and achievements, desire to engage in an intensive learning environment and ability to fully participate in all programming.
About the Application
The application consists of five parts:
- Applicant Information
- Narrative Questions
- Personal Commitment
- Employer Support Form
- Reference Letter
We recommend viewing a PDF of the application in order to prepare the necessary materials and answers to narrative questions. You may consider preparing your responses in a separate document and copy/pasting them into the application when you are ready.
Your supervisor will need to complete the Employer Support Form which you will upload in Part 4 of the application to affirm your full participation in the program. If you are self-employed or do not have a direct supervisor, please mark the box acknowledging that status on the application, and you do not need to complete the Employer Support Form. Employment status is not a consideration for participation in the program.
Please submit one reference letter from someone who is knowledgeable about your leadership potential through community, educational and professional experience and achievements. Do not use friends or family members as a reference. In one page or less, the letter should address why they support your candidacy in the LSN Academy and highlight how your participation will contribute to the LSN Academy. The letter should be signed by the reference (electronic signatures are fine) and submitted as a PDF with your application online.
Applications will be due October 31, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. Please carefully review the class schedule, attendance and time requirements, and employer support form to be sure you can fulfill program requirements should you be accepted to participate. Candidates will be notified of their selection by the end of in November 2025.
Inaugural Academy Class
The LSN Academy has drawn interest from LECSP alumni of various graduating classes and representing counties across Indiana. The inaugural class includes 23 outstanding individuals who have demonstrated a strong commitment to leadership and service within their communities. They hail from diverse backgrounds, with representation from a wide range of professions, including healthcare, education, business, and the nonprofit sector.
Opening Retreat in Indianapolis
Get glimpse at the inaugural class’ two-day opening retreat in Indianapolis.
Get Connected to Your Collegiate Chapter
LSN Academy Goals
- Educate Lilly Scholar alumni on a variety of topics that impact Indiana.
- Deepen and encourage Lilly Scholars’ purposeful involvement across the state.
- Broaden individual leadership skills and perspectives.
- Introduce Lilly Scholars to Indiana leaders who can help navigate needed resources and expand professional networks.
- Foster connections between Lilly Scholars who share a passion for community service and involvement.
Class Focus
Indiana has a wealth of unique and engaging communities, each with their own style and charm. While the challenges they face are similar, their approaches to solving them can be vastly different.
In the inaugural class of the Lilly Scholars Network Academy, participants will explore five (5) topics — basic needs, economy and innovation, education, environment, and quality of life. Each session day will challenge participants with real life case studies, presented by the community leaders who have paved the way.
The closing retreat is a special time to reflect on our journey, celebrate our achievements, and look ahead to the future. We aim to equip each participant to return to their community armed with the desire and inspiration to enact change for the better.
About the Moderator
Lilly Scholars Network Academy Moderator Molly Wilkinson Chavers is the owner of Blue Mercury Consulting, LLC, focusing her work on community building and equity efforts benefiting Central Indiana.
Prior to this, Molly served as Executive Director of IndyHub, an organization she co-founded in 2005. Molly has also worked in government and political sectors, serving Indiana Governors Frank O’Bannon and Joseph Kernan, as well as local and statewide candidates.
Eligibility for the LSN Academy
Any Lilly Endowment Community Scholar who has completed their undergraduate degree and currently lives in Indiana may apply for the inaugural class of the LSN Academy.
Participants will be selected based on their demonstrated leadership potential through community, educational, and professional experience and achievements, desire to engage in an intensive learning environment, and ability to fully participate in all programming.
Cost of the Program
This program is offered free of charge thanks to generous support from Lilly Endowment. Travel will be required as session locations vary. Hotel rooms and dinner will be provided to all participants the night prior to class days, but Scholars will be responsible for getting themselves to sessions. Additionally, meals and snacks will be provided to participants on Academy days.
Commitment and Attendance
Participants will engage in monthly in-person and virtual learning experiences around the state from January-August 2026 all of which occur during daytime work hours and some evenings. Information will be provided for your employer as employer support is necessary.
Attendance is mandatory at the opening retreat and closing retreat. For the other day-long sessions, an absence must be approved in advance and may not exceed more than one session in order to continue in the program.
SESSION 1 | JAN 8 - 9
Meet us in the heart of the state as we set the stage for the LSN Academy experience, beginning our time together with opening activities on day one designed to foster connection, build community and encourage teamwork. We will explore our class practices, expectations, and aspirations, as well as support you in learning more about yourself, your leadership style, and areas for growth.
Day two will take us out into the community to connect with leaders and organizations serving populations in need with compassion and creativity. We will also take a broader look at the economy and innovation in our state and local communities.
SESSION 2 | FEB 12
VIRTUAL
Unlock your leadership potential! Through the LSN Academy, you will have the opportunity to undergo a 360° Leadership Assessment which provides a powerful, unfiltered view of your strengths and areas for growth. In this virtual session, we will take a deep dive into the assessment results and look at how you demonstrate leadership in your work, personal life and community.
Boost your impact, gain valuable feedback, and become the leader you were meant to be.
SESSION 3 | MARCH 12
MUNCIE
East Central Indiana offers a compelling model for boosting public health and education through public-private-philanthropic (PPP) partnerships.
Local businesses, government agencies, and philanthropic organizations work together to address community needs. Foundations support health initiatives and trail expansions, promoting both physical well-being and active lifestyles. Public schools collaborate with higher education institutions, enhancing educational opportunities. Let’s explore how partnerships leverage combined resources, expertise, and innovative thinking, creating a more significant impact through collective action.
SESSION 4 | APRIL 9
COLUMBUS
The South Central part of the state has embraced its architectural heritage. Corporate and philanthropic leaders have collaborated with renowned architects to create a stunning collection of public buildings. Beyond the beautiful buildings, we’ll take a look at this area’s cultural richness and arts initiatives.
In addition to exploring quality of life, we’ll dive into economy and innovation to learn how this community has cultivated a landscape rich in both cultural expression and economic strategies to promote growth.
SESSION 5 | MAY 14
BLOOMINGTON
Unearth how Monroe County and surrounding areas embrace sustainability by promoting green building practices, encouraging alternative transportation, and prioritizing local food production in an effort to create a more sustainable future.
Rural communities see higher rates of chronic health and substance abuse, yet lack adequate services. Recognizing the growing need for satisfactory care, foundations and community leaders are working together to ensure residents have access to health care. We’ll learn how partnerships between healthcare providers and social services help ensure a holistic approach to issues like preventative care and addiction recovery.
SESSION 6 | JUNE 11
WARSAW
North Central Indiana strives to balance economic development and conserving the local waterways. Delve into the cutting-edge intersection of medical innovation and advanced manufacturing. Discover how this area fosters entrepreneurial growth and STEM education, focusing on career pathways in healthcare and engineering for the next generation of leaders.
Learn about the delicate balance between lake conservation and economic development, as leaders seek to preserve its natural beauty while supporting vital economic expansion.
SESSION 7 | JULY 9
TERRE HAUTE
West Central Indiana has an abundance of higher education institutions. We’ll dive into the intersection of education and basic needs in Terre Haute through the lens of the Mindful Connections initiative — a collaborative effort where institutions are exploring innovative ways to support students’ well-being, recognizing that access to essentials like food, housing, and financial stability is deeply connected to mental health outcomes.
The city of Terre Haute is actively revitalizing its downtown, fostering small businesses, and enhancing quality of life. Here, we’ll also explore the arts and culture scene that’s supported by philanthropic foundations committed to community-driven initiatives.
SESSION 8 | AUG 13 - 15
EVANSVILLE | CLOSING RETREAT
The closing field trip to the Southwest tip of Indiana will wrap up the LSN Academy experience with participants gaining additional perspective on the opportunities and challenges explored throughout the program. In Evansville we’ll focus on local health partnerships and discover the riverfront and urban revitalization efforts, showcasing community-driven change.
The closing retreat is a special time to reflect on our journey, celebrate our achievements, and look ahead to the future. We aim to equip each participant to return to their community armed with the desire and inspiration to enact change for the better.
2026 Program Dates
Thurs. Jan. 8 & Fri. Jan. 9: Opening Retreat / Indianapolis
Thurs. Feb. 12: Session 2 / Virtual
Thurs. March 12: Session 3 / Muncie
Thurs. April 9: Session 4 / Columbus
Thurs. May 14: Session 5 / Bloomington
Thurs. June 11: Session 6 / Warsaw
Thurs. July 9: Session 7 /
Terre Haute
Thurs. Aug. 13-Sat. Aug. 15: Closing Retreat / Evansville
Stay in the Loop
The Lilly Scholars Network sends a monthly email newsletter to Lilly Scholars the first Monday of the month with information on upcoming events, grant opportunities, and scholar news. Not receiving the newsletter?
