Hard Rock Casino and the Urban League Announce New IUN Scholarship

Hard Rock Casino of Northern Indiana and The Urban League of Northwest Indiana have united to support up to 30 local high school graduates in their pursuit of earning a degree from Indiana University Northwest. Through the program, graduates of any Gary-based high school are eligible to receive a fully funded, tuition-only scholarship as they work toward earning their associate or bachelor’s degree at IU Northwest. The new Do Well by Doing Good scholarship program will begin taking applications on July 17 at 5:30 p.m. at https://ulofnwi.communityforce.com/

This remarkable initiative aims to assist Gary’s youth in achieving their educational goals by eliminating financial obstacles related to tuition. Through this collaboration, these entities are investing in the community's future and empowering the upcoming generation of leaders. This scholarship not only grants access to higher education but also serves as a symbol of hope, demonstrating to young individuals that their potential is limitless.

This exciting news was announced on Wednesday, July 17th at an event at Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana. Matt Schuffert, President of Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana presented an oversized guitar shaped check for $250,000 to Dr. Vanessa Allen McCloud, President & CEO of the Urban League of Northwest Indiana to fund the program. Ellis G. Dumas, III, Chief of Staff for the City of Gary and Vicki Román-Lagunas, IU Northwest’s Interim Chancellor also spoke at the event.

According to Matt Schuffert, President of Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana, “Demonstrating to young people that their potential is limitless is what the Do Well by Doing Good Scholarship Program is all about and Hard Rock is proud to play a role in making it happen.”

“Research shows that a lack of finances can be a barrier to education for a large portion of first generation and low-income college students. This generous donation from Hard Rock serves as a commitment to eliminating financial barriers for Gary students seeking to pursue their career goals,” said Dr. Vanessa Allen McCloud, President & CEO of the Urban League of Northwest Indiana.

“The transformative power of this gift is truly unmatched, as the lives it will propel and the opportunities it will provide will lead to many success stories,” said Vicki Román-Lagunas, interim Chancellor of IU Northwest. “We could not be more grateful for Hard Rock’s and Urban League’s belief in the youth of Gary. These students are, without a doubt, our region’s future. This partnership is a premier example of the good that occurs when community partners’ visions align.”

Who is eligible?

• Must be accepted as an incoming freshman pursuing a two or four-year degree at Indiana University Northwest
• Students who graduated in 2024 from any Gary, Ind. high school (public, public charter, private, faith-based, or home-school)
• Must have a 2.5 GPA or higher & be a Core 40 graduate
• Must have completed 30-40 hours of Community Service/Volunteerism
• Must complete FASFA annually
• Must maintain a 2.5 GPA annually at IU Northwest

The tuition will be paid for up to four years based on FAFSA.

Application Process

· Create an account at communityforce.com https://ulofnwi.communityforce.com/CREATEACCOUNT.ASPX
· Fill out all sections of the online application.
· Upload your resume, transcript, IU Northwest acceptance letter, and proof of community service
· Upload two letters of reference
· Submit essay on topic listed in Community Force
· Review the application
· Submit the application

Visit https://ulofnwi.communityforce.com/ for more information about the scholarship program.

About the Urban League of Northwest Indiana:
The Urban League of Northwest Indiana is the premier agency that supports and promotes neighborhood community collaborations towards the improvement, capacity building and awareness of citizens in areas of education, financial literacy, health/wellness, civic/civil leadership, and diversity throughout Lake, Porter and LaPorte counties which would encourage a better quality of life. Visit www.urbanleagueofnwi.org for more information.

About Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana
Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana’s $300 Million casino and entertainment destination officially opened to the public on Friday, May 14, 2021. Hard Rock’s premier 200,000-square foot entertainment complex features over 1700 slots and 80 table games. It has five food venues including Hard Rock Café, Council Oak Steaks and Seafood, YOUYU Noodle Bar, Fresh Harvest and a Constant Grind Coffee Shop. It also features a retail shop, and a 1,894-seat Hard Rock Live performance venue. For more information, call 219-228-2383 or visit www.hardrockcasinonorthernindiana.com.

About Indiana University Northwest
One of seven campuses of Indiana University, IU Northwest is located in metropolitan Northwest Indiana, approximately 30 miles southeast of Chicago and 10 miles from the Indiana Dunes National Park. The campus has a diverse student population of approximately 3,500 degree-seeking students and 1,800 dual-credit students and has been recognized by the Department of Education as a minority and Hispanic serving institution. The campus offers Associate, Baccalaureate, and Master’s degrees from the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Health and Human Services, the School of Business and Economics, the School of the Arts, and the School of Education. The campus is also host to IU School of Medicine-Northwest-Gary, the region’s only four-year medical doctorate program. As a student-centered campus, IU Northwest is committed to academic excellence characterized by a love of ideas and achievement in learning, discovery, creativity, research, and community engagement. Indiana University Northwest is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to achieving excellence through diversity. The University actively encourages applications from women, minorities, veterans, persons with disabilities, and members of other underrepresented groups. For more information, visit northwest.iu.edu.