Casino Scholarships in Hammond, Indiana

Mayor Thomas McDermott, Hammond, Indiana, has made an offer to his citizens unmatched by any city or town in his state.  Mayor McDermott has proposed using casino revenue to offer a four year scholarship to Hammond high school graduates.

The proposal has yet to receive council approval, but McDermott has large hopes for what a casino funded scholarship program could do for Hammond.  Hammond’s four high schools produce roughly 435 graduates each year.  McDermott wants to provide each graduate with $7,500, that is the full cost of tuition at Indiana University. 

The program would cover all high school students not just the financially challenged.  McDermott is aware of the expense of the program.  “It’s going to be expensive, but you’re going to see Hammond get a lot of attention,” he said.  McDermott hopes to stimulate economic growth and home ownership in his city.  Hammond, like many other cities in the state has lost a lot due to migration to suburbia. 

One of the few requirements McDermott has sought to attach to the casino scholarship is that the parents of the children must be homeowners in Hammond.   As for renters in the area, McDermott says, “I would encourage them to purchase a home.  There are many affordable ones.  In addition, like many scholarships of this sort, students would be required to go to an in-state college. 

Mc Dermott still has some work cut out for him.  He plans to disclose the details of the casino fund scholarship plan during a March 6^th news conference.  Use of casino funds will take away from revenue that could be used for infrastructure.  McDermott has to convince the council that this is the best use for the funds.  He also has to convince families that Hammond’s education system is worth the move. 

“We have great teachers and principals. We are losing the academically gifted students. We need to get them back. This might help. A school district is only as good as its students,” McDermott said.

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