ABOUT THE SCHOLARSHIP

The Frank Zirille BBBS Scholarship program is dedicated to honoring the legacy of Frank Zirille, the founding Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Indiana.

Initially founded and funded in 2024, the new scholarship program’s mission is to support graduating "Littles" from the BBBS program in pursuing post-secondary education by providing financial assistance and mentorship. The program’s mission is to ensure our youth have equal access to opportunities in education and are given the support they need as they take those first steps of their professional life.

Frank Zirille, BBBSNEI's first Executive Director (from 1972-1994)

2026 APPLICATION OPEN

Littles must submit their application to the Scholarship Committee via the online portal by 11:59PM ON December 19th, 2025.

SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

KEY ELEMENTS OF THE PROGRAM

  • Scholarship Coverage: four-year renewable scholarships for tuition and fees, room, and board.
  • Extended Educational Support: financial assistance for a range of needs, including study abroad programs, move-in assistance, and other essential educational expenses like computers and transportation not covered by standard aid.
  • Professional Mentorship: personalized guidance from various-sector career professionals.
  • Life Skills Training: preparing scholars for success beyond post-secondary education.

ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES TO APPLY

  • Little/Mentee must be currently enrolled and active in the Community-Based program.
  • Mentee must be on track to graduate by 2026.
  • Mentee must be a senior enrolled in high school, including those who are homeschooled or online students.
  • Mentee must have plans to enroll in a post-secondary institution (an accredited two or four-year college program, Trade/Vocational School).

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please submit the following information:

  1. Completed the Frank Zirille Big Brothers Big Sisters Scholarship Application
  2. Unofficial school transcript.
  3. Personal statement: 650 maximum.
  4. Supplemental essay: Up to 350 words or optional video essay (maximum 2 minutes).
  5. Two Recommendation letters: emailed to the Scholarship Director, Amy Hamilton, by the deadline.  |  Amy.Hamilton@bbbsnei.org

Applicants will be assessed based on a holistic approach. While the following elements are significant, they collectively contribute to a comprehensive evaluation, with no single aspect being decisive. Students will be evaluated on the following:

  • Academics, achievements, and personal responsibilities
  • Two letters of recommendation: one from school staff and another from a non-relative in a supervisory role, such as a boss, a Big, or leader of structured activities.
  • Personal and supplemental statement
  • Interview

Littles must be available for an interview with the scholarship committee in February 2026 with Award notification in March 2026.

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

2023

TREVOR S.

Fort Wayne, IN

Indiana Tech

2024

JORDAN D.

Fort Wayne, IN

Ball State University

2025

MAKIA L.

Warsaw, IN

Ball State University

2025

RAKIYA J.

Fort Wayne, IN

Ball State University

SCHOLARSHIP BOOKLET

Coming soon

INVEST IN THEIR FUTURE

Pay it forward for the next generation of Littles taking their next BIG step

Please contact us to make your contribution to the scholarship fund!
Finance Director, Brian Wallace, at (260) 203-3323  |  Scholarship Director, Amy Hamilton, at (260) 208-5297