Scholarship Sponsor Q&A: Greater Indy Habitat for Humanity

In 2017, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Indianapolis (also known as Greater Indy Habitat for Humanity) collaborated with the Sagamore Institute to research how they could better empower families to achieve strength, stability, and independence.

Their research revealed that 79% of those who became homeowners also planned to start, continue or finish furthering their education after getting settled. Parents also observed improved study habits, increased academic achievement and more consistent school attendance among new homeowners, and the organization decided to encourage those efforts and reduce barriers through an annual scholarship program.

Scholarship America spoke to Jennifer Brammer from Greater Indy Habitat for Humanity about the impact of their scholarship.

Scholarship America: What’s your role at Habitat for Humanity, and how do you work with the Greater Indy Habitat for Humanity Scholarship?

Jennifer Brammer: As the Vice President of Homeownership & Mortgage Services, I work as the main point of contact for the partnership with Scholarship America, focusing on the operations, logistics, and timeline of the program. I also collaborate with our marketing team to push communications and promotion to the homeowners.

SA: How does this scholarship program complement your other educational and talent development initiatives?

JB: Our homeownership program, Habitat University, provides financial literacy and home maintenance courses to prepare homebuyers for a successful homeownership experience. Our scholarship program complements our homeownership program by breaking down barriers, but this time for educational advancement.

SA: Why does Greater Indy Habitat for Humanity feel it’s so important to invest in scholarships for their homeowners?

JB: Investing in scholarships for Habitat homeowners is a way to foster long-term stability and success for families beyond homeownership. For example, a 2024 scholarship recipient, Keida, shared how her education will open the door to advance in her company and give her the option of better job opportunities elsewhere. An affordable, safe home can be the foundation of future success for both owners and their children. Our hope is that this scholarship will help reduce one more barrier to improving our homeowners’ lives through advanced education.

SA: What impact does the Greater Indy Habitat for Humanity Scholarship have on your recruitment and retention efforts?

JB: It’s important to us to remain a resource for our homeowners post-purchase. This scholarship has been a tool to support their continued growth and hopefully attract future applicants through referrals. The scholarship is an example of how Habitat seeks to extend the impact of an affordable home to further education and economic mobility.

SA: Are you in touch with past scholarship recipients? What have they gone on to do that’s stood out?

JB: Yes! Two recipients in 2024 were hardworking homeowners and parents balancing full-time jobs, school, and family life. One is pursuing a degree in accounting, while the other is studying social work and plans to begin an accelerated master’s program after graduating this May.

The scholarship has also supported the children of Habitat homeowners in pursuing their dreams. Kali, for example, is now working toward her second bachelor’s degree in nursing after earning her first in psychology and human development.

Bugashane, a two-time recipient, is passionate about computer graphic technology and UX design. With the help of the Habitat scholarship, he expanded his studies to include a major in game development and animation, along with minors in business and French. The scholarship also supported him in securing campus housing. He is now more involved in student life.

Other recipients are thriving in fields such as computer science, mechanical engineering, and forensic science.

SA: What advice would you give to future applicants?

JB: We encourage future applicants to look at this as a hand-up in their educational journey. We hope they continue to explore their fields in higher education with curiosity and excitement.