Franklin College receives Lilly Endowment grant to engage young learners

Thursday, May 14, 2026 at 10:45 AM

FRANKLIN, Ind. - 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. It inspires campers to envision themselves as future college students.

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.

More from Johnson County News

Indian Creek Elementary School in Trafalgar hosts 500 Festival event

TRAFALGAR, Ind. - The 500 Festival is bringing the fun and excitement of a 500 Festival running event to Indian Creek Elementary School with a Mobile Run as part of the 500 Festival KidsFit Program, this Wednesday, May 20, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the school, 1002 S. Indian Creek Drive, in Trafalgar.
Center Grove announces 2025-26 CGCSC 'Teacher of the Year'

GREENWOOD, Ind. - Center Grove Community School Corporation (CGCSC) awarded Megan Huber from Walnut Grove Elementary School the 2025-26 CGCSC Teacher of the Year during the district’s annual Employee Celebration on Monday, May 11.
Governor Braun ceremonially signs new law to reduce cell phone use in schools

Audio

INDIANA STATEHOUSE – Gov. Mike Braun, while he was at the Clark-Pleasant Community Schools Administration Building in Whiteland on Wednesday morning, signed into law a bill to prohibit student use of personal wireless communication devices during school hours.
Smith Valley Road project gets $8.4M in funding

GREENWOOD, Ind. - The City of Greenwood was recently awarded over $8.4 million in federal transportation funding through the Indianapolis Metropolitan Planning Organization for the Smith Valley Road Expansion Project.
11-year-old Johnson County boy is recovering from critical dirt bike injuries

BARGERSVILLE, Ind. - On Monday morning, members of the Bargersville Fire Department had the opportunity to reunite with 11-year-old Jordyn and his family following a serious dirt bike accident that occurred on February 28.