Fueled by Lilly’s Investment in Lebanon, Ivy Tech Student Builds Future in Biotech

Carrie Kruse was at work when she received the acceptance email from Lilly Scholars at Ivy Tech. 

“I cried at my cubicle ‘cause I was so excited,” Kruse said. 

She ran to her work bestie, told her, then to her manager, and told them.

“I was just over the moon,” Kruse described. 

Pursuing both a biotechnology associate degree and a biopharmaceutical manufacturing certificate, Kruse represents exactly the type of driven student the Lilly Scholars program was designed to support. 

The scholarship—which covers 14 eligible associate degrees and certificate programs in high-demand fields—provides free tuition, fees, textbooks, certification exam costs, and even course supply expenses. Beyond financial support, the program also opens doors to industry networking, hands-on learning experiences, and paid apprenticeships with opportunities for full-time employment after graduation.

Kruse is witnessing firsthand the transformative impact of Lilly’s investment in Boone County while building her own future in the growing local biotech industry. Originally from Terre Haute, Kruse moved to Lebanon by way of Indy two years ago after settling down with her husband. 

She chose Ivy Tech Indianapolis for its small class sizes and accessible professors, crediting the college with providing a strong foundation for her career as a quality assurance chemist at Antech Diagnostics. 

“I love how I can always get a hold of my professor if I have questions or concerns,” Kruse said. “Ivy Tech provides a really good education, and it helps a lot of people."

When her Ivy Tech advisor encouraged her to apply for the Lilly Scholars program, she took the chance—and the life-changing opportunity paid off. 

“It has helped me a lot in the sense that I’m now able to save up and be able to start a family sooner,” Kruse said.

The scholarship has not only eased financial burdens but also reinforced her career aspirations.

“I chose biotechnology because I loved how interesting it is. I love that it's both biology and technology in one,” Kruse shared. “Getting this scholarship boosted my confidence ... I love that I'm able to go to school and continue to grow in this field.”

The company’s expansion in Lebanon, including a $13.5 billion investment in new facilities, makes the prospect even more meaningful. Kruse says, “It’s comforting” to know Lilly will be in her backyard. 

“We're going to start a family here soon, so it’s reassuring to know these opportunities are coming. It's good to know that more people will be here, and more money is coming into the community, which will boost the education system for my kids as well,” Kruse shared.

Kruse’s journey reflects the broader goals of the Lilly Scholars program: empowering students to pursue high-paying, in-demand careers in biotechnology, smart manufacturing, or industrial technology while strengthening Indiana’s workforce. 

Her advice to others considering Ivy Tech or the scholarship is simple: “Apply for it. You never know.” 

“This scholarship has meant a ton to me. When I told my family, they were over the moon thrilled. They were like, ‘finally, you got a break,’” Kruse said. “ It's meant a ton to my family ... It's just been wonderful.”

With her associate degree in biotechnology complete this summer and her biopharmaceutical manufacturing certificate on track for next spring, Kruse hopes to work at Lilly eventually. 

“I’d love to get a job at Lilly down the road,” she said. “You always hear about how wonderful a company it is."

As Boone County evolves into a hub for biotech innovation, students like Kruse are proof that investment in education and community can change lives—one scholarship, one degree, and one future at a time.

Open to high school seniors, career changers, and Indiana residents pursuing careers in biopharmaceutical manufacturing or related fields, the Lilly Scholars at Ivy Tech scholarship ensures Hoosiers can build futures right where they live. 

Apply today.