IGHS Scholarships for High School Students - 2026
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The Indiana German Heritage Society (IGHS) provides scholarships for Indiana high school students participating in an approved educational program in Germany or other German-speaking countries. Applications are accepted from students participating in programs such as I.U. Honors Program in Graz, study abroad programs offered by AATG or YFU, or the German American Partnership Program (GAPP).  

Scholarship Levels 

a) Up to $1,000 for a program lasting 5 weeks or longer, i.e. I.U. Honors   
b) Up to $500 for a short-term program, i.e. GAPP program 

Eligibility Criteria and Application Materials 

Students must be participating in an official program. Applicants must submit the following: 
  1. Contact information: mailing address, phone number, and e-mail address
  2. Program description: name, length, location, budget, etc.
  3. Statement of purpose (in English, one page)
  4. Biography (in English, one page)
  5. High school transcript (if possible, mail as part of the PDF – see below)
  6. Letter of recommendation from German teacher (to be e-mailed under separate cover)

Selection Criteria 
  1. Overall academic preparation 
  2. Seriousness of purpose
  3. Achievements in German courses
  4. Involvement in extracurricular activities, especially German Club 
  5. If applicable: plans for continued language studies following the program 
Please note: Students must submit proof of acceptance into the Program before the award is distributed. 

Outcome: Sponsored students agree to make a presentation to IGHS at a “Stammtisch” or similar event in Indianapolis, if possible, or write an article for the IGHS Newsletter. 

Deadline: February 17, 2026

Submission 

Please submit your application as one single PDF file (except for letter of recommendation which should be e-mailed under separate cover) to: [email protected]. Please put “IGHS Scholarship Application” in the subject line and address your application to: 

Mr. Brian Griesemer
President - IGHS
401 E. Michigan Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204. 

For additional information contact: Dr. Claudia Grossmann, [email protected]
IGHS 2026 Study Abroad Scholarships for
Indiana College Students
Scholarship Amount: $500 - $1,000  
Deadlines:   Spring & summer programs: October 1st; summer, fall & academic year: March 1st
 
The Indiana German Heritage Society (IGHS) provides scholarships for Indiana college students participating in an approved credit-bearing program in a German-speaking country. Applicants must be Indiana state residents.  After studying abroad, sponsored students agree to either make a presentation to IGHS at a “Stammtisch” program in Indianapolis or write a short article for the IGHS Newsletter.

Eligibility Criteria - the student must be:
  • A full-time Indiana resident
  • Attending a college or university in Indiana and in good standing
  • Majoring or minoring in German
  • Participating in a credit-bearing program in a German-speaking country
  • Each university (German program) may recommend up to 2 students.

Application Materials – the applicant must submit the following:
  • A cover sheet with:
    • Contact information: your name, university, major(s)/minor(s), full-time home address in Indiana, and e-mail address
    • Program description: name of program, length, location, total cost of program (tuition, room & board, flight)
    • PELL Recipeint?  YES / NO – State whether you receive the federal PELL Grant
  • Biography (in English, one page, max. 600 words)
  • Statement of purpose (in English, one page, max 600 words)
    • What program? When? Where? Why did you choose this program? How will this contribute to your future goals? How are you prepared for the program?
  • College transcript (Unofficial is acceptable.)
  • Proof of acceptance to the program
  • Letter of recommendation from German professor         
    • Student’s work in German/overall/engagement outside of class, preparedness, need.  
    • submitted under separate cover to the e-mail address below.
 
Please note: Students must submit proof of acceptance into the program before the award is disbursed.
Please submit your application in PDF format (preferably, one file), except for letter of recommendation which should be e-mailed under separate cover to: [email protected]

​Please put “IGHS Study Abroad Scholarship - College” in the subject line.  For questions contact: Dr. Wendy Westphal [email protected]