The Bunag siblings, l-r, Nicole, Jason, and Samantha show their IU Northwest acceptance letters

High school students find college options at Urban League of NWI Scholarship Fair

Contributed By: Jonathan Bradford

Nearly 1,000 high school students attended the Urban League of Northwest Indiana College Scholarship Fair at Indiana University Northwest, with the opportunity to gain scholarships on the spot.

The Urban League is known for helping African Americans, Hispanics and other minority students in underserved communities to achieve economic self- reliance, empowerment, and civil rights.

“I am very excited about the caliber of students coming from Lake, Porter, and LaPorte counties. I’m thankful for the administrators and teachers and especially the parents that have prepared these students for their future,” said Dr. Vanessa Allen-McCloud, President & CEO of the Urban League. “We are giving out full-ride scholarships to students. Indiana University Northwest, which is our host school, is offering full paid tuition sponsored by Hard Rock Casino. Last year we gave away $4.7 million and this year we expect that to be even more.”

Dr Deborah Hendricks Black, an Urban League diversity, equity and inclusion facilitator said, “I’m excited and proud to be an educator. I have been with the Urban League for over 16 years. Over 1,000 high school students will be present today. They are interested, they want opportunity and that’s what we are offering.”

The scholarship fair included 60 U.S. colleges and universities. Indiana University of South Bend, Manchester University, and Saint Mary-Of-The-Woods were among the in-state colleges and universities. Alabama A&M and other historically black universities were there as well. The Indiana Plan, a construction trades pre-apprenticeship program was also recruiting.



Some students got a certificate of acceptance to the university they were interested in. Some students got on the spot scholarships.

Dee Boozer representing Purdue University Northwest said, “It is amazing! The fact that we are literally giving out scholarships right now, like thousands of dollars with every application, is just nuts. I hope this program will eventually grow bigger. People need help, financially. We need more events like this. At least 80% of students are receiving scholarships.”

Acceptance letters from IU Northwest appeared to come easy for the Bunag siblings, Samantha, Nicole, and Jason.

Samantha wants to study business and economics to pursue a career in human resources or management.

Nicole will also study business and economics. She aspires to run her own business in the future.

Jason plans on studying biology and pre-medicine. “I want to be an asset to the people in my community by becoming a doctor.”

“We believe these scholarships will assist students in Gary and all other students to achieve their goals and empower the next generation of leaders,” said Matt Schuffert, president of Hard Rock Casino of Northern Indiana.

According to Urbanleague.org, students must live in Lake, Porter or LaPorte County; must be a rising high school sophomore, junior or senior with a 2.5 GPA or higher; must submit a FAFSA application showing financial need; and must make a personal statement outlining career goals, challenges they’ve overcome, and community involvement.

Pell grants are offered to students too with significant financial need; the maximum award is $7,000 for the 2024-25 award year starting July 1st, 2025.

In 2024, it is estimated that 6.76 million male and 9.39 million female students will be enrolled in undergraduate programs, reflecting a slight increase from last year.


Urban League President & CEO Dr. Vanessa Allen-McCloud, l-r, Natalie Carter and Brooklyn Carter, who was accepted to IU Bloomington

Story Posted:09/28/2024