Abe Lincoln Awards 

The Abe Lincoln scholarship program recognizes students who have overcome unimaginable hardships and provides financial aid to assist them in continuing their goals. Kiwanis aims to guide young people by providing a community that cares about, recognizes, and encourages them.

Created in 1976
Dr. Robert Briggs envisioned a program to exemplify the spirit of freedom and optimism during America’s bicentennial. The vision was to fund scholarships for high school seniors who overcome tremendous obstacles. In the first year, a total of $3,250 was awarded to three students from a field of 13 nominees, all named to the Kiwanis Circle of Valor. Each Marion County high school guidance department nominates one student, and a committee of Kiwanians interviews up to 25 students and selects the finalists. Four scholarship recipients are revealed at an awards program in February.

The Impact
We have welcomed 903 students in the Circle of Valor and awarded $1,346,100 in scholarships to 200 students. This program is possible through a grant from the Kiwanis Foundation of Indianapolis and with the support of event sponsor Norris, Choplin Schroeder. and Cowles Wealth Partners, Rockefeller Capital Management.