Students graduating from any Gary-based high school now have an opportunity to earn a college degree tuition-free.

The Hard Rock Casino of Northern Indiana scholarship program is an initiative established by the casino in partnership with The Urban League of Northwest Indiana.

The program provides full tuition coverage for up to four years at Indiana University Northwest. It gives eligible students the chance to pursue their academic dreams without the financial barriers that often stand in the way.

IU Northwest is promoting the scholarship program via electric busses, operated by the Gary Public Transportation Corp.

“This scholarship is about possibility — ensuring every Gary student knows that college is within reach and that IU Northwest is their home to grow, learn and lead,” said Arrick Jackson, IU Northwest chancellor, in a press release. “We want every eligible student to take that first step and apply because their future starts here.”

Applicants must be a 2025 or 2026 graduate of any Gary high school: public, charter, private, faith-based or home school. They must earn a minimum 2.5 GPA while in high school and a Core 40 diploma and complete 30 – 40 hours of community service. They also must plan to attend IU Northwest as a first-year student, pursuing either a two-year or four-year degree.

Scholarship recipients will have tuition fully covered for up to four years, based on FAFSA eligibility, as long as they maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA at IU Northwest.

Interested students can learn more here. The application deadline is Jan. 31, 2027.