Kelley School of Business Indianapolis students receive scholarships every year to help fund their college costs. This year, the school’s Young Alumni Council (YAC) coordinated a 24-hour online scholarship challenge on November 6 to increase what is available to current undergraduate students. The effort raised $1,795 through social media, nearly doubling the initial goal of $1,000.

“The Kelley School of Business Indianapolis Young Alumni Council consistently looks for ways to support current undergraduate students,” said YAC member Karey Hammond, who graduated in 2012 with majors in marketing and international studies. “We value the experience we had at Kelley and want to give back in any way we can.”

The social media fundraiser was the first of its kind from a school at IUPUI and served as a pilot for future fundraising efforts. The initiative seeks to expand the number of scholarships awarded to Kelley Indianapolis students, which totaled 47 in 2013 for $100,000. Without these scholarships, many students would be unable to afford the costs of college.  

Kelley Indianapolis’ Young Alumni Council was created in 2010 to provide a strong alumni network and professional development opportunities for recent business school graduates. The 24-hour online scholarship challenge provided the necessary framework and experience for the YAC to create future fundraising efforts of the same caliber and greater. 

“The Kelley School gave me so much in the four years I was there. From a world-class education, to real-life experiences along with scholarships, the least I could do is make a small monetary donation,” said YAC member Andrew Welling, who graduated in 2012 with majors in marketing, supply chain management  and international studies. “I will be a Kelley supporter for the rest of my life, whether it's through volunteering, promoting the Kelley brand or making a gift.”