Franklin College receives Lilly Endowment grant to engage young learners

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.