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Sparks Foundation Post-Secondary Scholarship

It's both exciting and gratifying to have the initial scholarships to be awarded to fellow 'Hoosiers' for years to come as part of a legacy that the Sparks Foundation was created to achieve. 

Randy Sparks

CEO and Founder, Team IP

In partnership with the Sparks Foundation, the IHSAA Foundation is proud to present the Sparks Foundation Post-Secondary Scholarship to two Indiana high school student-athletes that show teamwork, leadership, and good character. 

This annual scholarship starting in 2021 celebrates the accomplishments on the field, in the classroom, and throughout the community by awarding $1,000 to each recipient. 

 

Alignment Between the IHSAA Foundation and the Sparks Foundation

Born in Connersville, Indiana, Randy Sparks leads both Team IP and the Sparks Foundation at the national level to highlight the benefits of high school sports and education-based athletics. Through his work, both organizations under his watch have grown; allowing for new and additional opportunities for students across the country. 

With his work consistently allowing him to experience and travel outside the state of Indiana, Randy never forgets his roots. The Sparks Foundation's inaugural scholarship maintains his connection to his home state. 

    

The Awards

All selected Sparks Foundation Scholarship recipients will be honored at the IHSAA Foundation Impact Awards. The banquet for the 2024-25 School Year will be held on Thursday, April 17th at Gridiron Hall.

Scholarship Criteria

- The recipient must be a graduating senior or in her/his final year at an IHSAA member school.

- The recipient must be planning to attend post-secondary education (4-year college, 2-year college, trade/technical school) in Indiana.

- The recipient must be a 1st generation family member to attend post-secondary education.

- It is preferred the recipient be a multi-sport athlete and earned a varsity letter in at least two (2) different IHSAA sports.

- The recipient must show teamwork, leadership, and good character.

- It is preferred the recipient was a member of the schools Student Leadership Council/Group. 

 

Application Process

Applications for the Sparks Foundation Scholarship are available on the IHSAA portal website (www.myihsaa.net) each school year. Member school principals and athletic directors will be notified each year when the application become available. The member school is responsible for establishing the process by which its nominee is selected. A member school may nominate only one student-athlete per year and should submit the application to the IHSAA by February 14, 2025.

The school Principal or Athletic Director should initiate the nomination process. To nominate an athlete, click here to login and complete the application. After completing the form, the information will be electronically sent to the nominated student. Once the student completes their section, the form will be electronically returned to the Principal/Athletic Director for a final review and submission to the IHSAA. If you have any questions on this process, please contact IHSAA Foundation Director, Trip Lukemeyer, at tlukemeyer@ihsaa.org or 317-846-6601.

MEET OUR PAST SCHOLARSHIP AWARDEES

2023-24 Recipients

Sparks

Ethan Ehrhardt

Kankakee Valley High School

Sparks

Kailee Lock

Madison Consolidated High School