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LILLY SCHOLARS AT PURDUE PROGRAM

Lilly Scholars at Purdue Program
Eli Lilly and Company and Purdue University are partnering on an innovative scholarship program that will develop interest and talent in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Through the new Lilly Scholars at Purdue program, a selection of talented incoming undergraduate students will benefit from a long-standing partnership between Purdue and Lilly.
Eli Lilly and Company and Purdue University are partnering on an innovative scholarship program that will develop interest and talent in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Through the new Lilly Scholars at Purdue program, a selection of talented incoming undergraduate students will benefit from a long-standing partnership between Purdue and Lilly.

What are the benefits of becoming a Lilly Scholar at Purdue?

A Lilly Scholar will receive a scholarship for the total cost of tuition. Lilly Scholars will also be guaranteed an internship opportunity at Lilly and interaction with company leaders. The program will provide participating students with opportunities to compete for a role at the company following graduation. Preference will be made for undergraduate students who have an interest in the pharmaceutical industry.

The Lilly Scholars program encourages students who are from under-resourced urban and rural populations, who have overcome socioeconomic or educational disadvantages, or who are among the first generation in their family to attend college to apply. Those with a shared commitment to reducing barriers to education are also encouraged to apply. Students applying to majors that relate to the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry will be considered for these awards.

Consideration will only be given to those who apply to Purdue University by the Early Action application deadline of November 1.

Students applying to Purdue University for fall 2024 in these majors are eligible to apply to become a Lilly Scholar:

College of Engineering
College of Engineering
College of Engineering
Engineering (first-year)
College of Pharmacy
Pharmaceutical Sciences
College of Science
Biochemistry
College of Science
Chemical Biology and Biochemistry
College of Science
Chemistry
College of Science
Microbiology
College of Science
Biology
College of Science
Data Science (first-year)
College of Science
Genetics

STEP 1

First things first—apply to Purdue by the Early Action application deadline of November 1.

STEP 2

Review the Lilly Scholars Overview/Opt-in Process and apply to the program.

STEP 3

Notification for those accepted to the Lilly Scholars at Purdue program will be included in the admission decision letters that will be released in January. This is a highly competitive opportunity.

Overview/Opt-in Process

2 Students working in a lab
  • The scholarship includes eight semesters of tuition (summer session is not recommended).
  • Scholars must maintain studies in an eligible major and follow change of major policy.
  • In order to renew their scholarships, students must follow the guidelines outlined below:
    • Scholars must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) as well as any other renewal requirements specified under the Lilly Scholars program section.
    • Opt in to Purdue programming, including:
      • Required to enroll in ENGR 103: Pharma Careers for Lilly Scholars
      • Required to participate in internship during sophomore year
      • Required to take part in programming and curriculum focused on pharmaceutical manufacturing events
      • Required to maintain touchpoints with Lilly, Office of Professional Practice, and Lilly Scholars program manager
      • Required to complete formal scholarship renewal and uphold academic standards per Purdue University, Lilly Scholars agreement
  •  

2 Students working in a lab

  • The scholarship includes eight semesters of tuition (summer session is not recommended).
  • Scholars must maintain studies in an eligible major and follow change of major policy.
  • In order to renew their scholarships, students must follow the guidelines outlined below:
    • Scholars must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) as well as any other renewal requirements specified under the Lilly Scholars program section.
    • Opt in to Purdue programming, including:
      • Required to enroll in ENGR 103: Pharma Careers for Lilly Scholars
      • Required to participate in internship during sophomore year
      • Required to take part in programming and curriculum focused on pharmaceutical manufacturing events
      • Required to maintain touchpoints with Lilly, Office of Professional Practice, and Lilly Scholars program manager
      • Required to complete formal scholarship renewal and uphold academic standards per Purdue University, Lilly Scholars agreement
  •  

Frequently Asked Questions

Internships/Co-ops

Yes. The Lilly Scholars internships will be paid opportunities. In addition, students will receive paid time off during company-designated holidays that occur during the internship. Additional benefits include access to on-site gyms and on-site employee health services.

The guaranteed internships at Lilly are planned to take place during fall or spring semester of the Lilly Scholars’ sophomore year at Purdue. In partnership with the Lilly Scholars program manager and academic advisors, students will outline their plans of study as needed with the understanding that there are likely to be a few exceptions. The internships will be a maximum of 16 weeks in length.

NOTE: Internships during fall/spring of sophomore year are preferred, yet various programs of study may need special attention or alternative timelines due to course scheduling. 

Lilly internships will take place in person within Indiana. Lilly has manufacturing sites and its corporate headquarters in Indianapolis with future manufacturing sites under construction in Lebanon, Indiana.

The Office of Professional Practice team and Lilly resources will support students in arranging internships at Lilly. The Lilly Scholars program manager and Lilly human resources teams will work together to outline timelines, placement, and areas for each student during their second year at Purdue. Students will be expected to apply, submit resumes, and provide information to facilitate the process.

Preparation will occur during the student’s first year to help them improve their readiness for the internship. We recommend that students take ENGR 103: Pharma Career for Lilly Scholars during their first fall semester. In this course, students will develop their resumes, interview skills, and career readiness. In addition to professional-skills development, students will engage in mentorship and networking with Lilly representatives during the course. Lastly, additional programming will be available in partnership with Lilly to inform students about the company’s opportunities and culture.

Some students opt to take online courses during their internships or co-ops. If a student opts to take a class during their internship at Lilly, they should consult with the Division of Financial Aid prior to registration as it may affect the overall scholarship. They should also ensure that the course does not conflict with their work schedule.

While it is not required to have a vehicle during the internship, public transportation is limited near the manufacturing sites. Lilly is sorting through options to support transportation needs, with more information to be provided in the future.

The Lilly Scholars program guarantees a one-semester internship only. The Office of Professional Practice and Lilly Scholars program managers will serve as resources for additional work-integrated learning opportunities and will provide support during each Lilly Scholar’s academic journey.

Housing stipend information will be provided upon placement of internships.

General Programming

Mentorship opportunities will be offered as part of the Lilly Scholars program. Group mentoring will begin during the student’s first year.

Mentorship opportunities will be offered as part of the Lilly Scholars program. Group mentoring will begin during the student’s first year.

Interaction with Lilly leadership will begin the first semester on campus. There will be programming opportunities exclusive to Lilly Scholars that will engage the Lilly Scholars with Lilly leaders. Representatives from Lilly will support the ENGR103: Pharma Careers for Lilly Scholars curriculum as guest speakers for various lectures.

Placeholder Placeholder
College of Engineering Engineering (first-year)
College of Pharmacy Pharmaceutical Sciences
College of Science Biochemistry
College of Science Chemical Biology and Biochemistry
College of Science Chemistry
College of Science Microbiology
College of Science Biology
College of Science Cell, Molecular, and Developmental Biology
College of Science Data Science (first-year)
College of Science Genetics

Each student’s plan of study and time to graduation will be unique. Therefore, it is possible to graduate in four years. However, given that one semester will be spent interning, students may take longer than four years to graduate. As a reminder, the scholarship covers eight semesters of tuition, which would cover a semester for a fifth year of studies if needed. Various programming options will be available for Lilly Scholars to create the most impactful experience during their time at Purdue.

The Lilly Scholars program manager will work in partnership with all academic departments to assist with scheduling solutions under these circumstances.

Yes. The Office of Professional Practice facilitates the industry co-op certificate that allows students to complete a minimum of 12 months of industry experience during their time at Purdue. The Lilly Scholars will register for an internship course during the specific work term and can be credited toward the Purdue co-op program, which requires a minimum of three work sessions.

Yes. Lilly Scholars are eligible to pursue study-abroad programs and could also participate in the GEARE program. The GEARE program allows students to complete study-abroad programs and take part in domestic and international internships. Lilly will not provide an international internship for Lilly Scholars as part of the program and will not pay any additional fees above typical tuition for study abroad. Note: Opting for additional work-integrated learning programming may extend graduation timelines based on student academic progress.

Financial Aid

Full tuition includes the total cost of tuition. The actual amount varies depending on your residency. Learn more about Purdue’s tuition costs. Some programs have additional fees, and the scholarships do not cover those fees. The scholarships do not cover the cost of housing and food.

Full tuition includes the total cost of tuition. The actual amount varies depending on your residency. Learn more about Purdue’s tuition costs. Some programs have additional fees, and the scholarships do not cover those fees. The scholarships do not cover the cost of housing and food.

To renew Purdue-awarded scholarships each semester, students need to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) as well as any other renewal requirements specified under the Lilly Scholars program section.

Full tuition will not be charged during the full-time internship at Lilly.

Each student’s overall award is different, and the Division of Financial Aid can assist with overall award process.

Typically, the scholarship is for use in the fall and spring semesters only. A student can submit a summer appeal document to use a semester of scholarship funding during the summer. Summer appeals should only be used when a student will not be on campus for a total of eight fall and spring semesters. If the summer merit appeal is approved, the scholarship will reflect the summer cost of attendance, which will be different than the cost of fall or spring attendance.

Purdue offers a variety of different study-abroad programs and options. Students interested in studying abroad should connect with Financial Aid directly and review the Purdue Study Abroad website to determine if scholarships can be utilized for study-abroad programs.

The Lilly Scholarship only covers tuition. Some programs have additional fees, and the scholarship does not cover those additional fees. Please see this site for more information: Tuition and Fees – Undergraduate Admissions – Purdue University. The scholarship does not cover the cost of housing and food.

Other

No. However, Purdue and Lilly hope that the opportunities, experiences, and connections gained during the Lilly Scholars program will open doors for students at Lilly and in the pharmaceutical industry.

No. However, Purdue and Lilly hope that the opportunities, experiences, and connections gained during the Lilly Scholars program will open doors for students at Lilly and in the pharmaceutical industry.