The Vincennes University Jasper Foundation is expanding opportunities for local students thanks to proceeds from this year’s Jasper Strassenfest.

The Foundation recently received nearly $46,000 from the Strassenfest Committee to fund the Scholastic Excellence Award—an initiative that provides full-tuition scholarships for high school graduates from Dubois, Crawford, Orange, Perry, Harrison, Martin, and Spencer counties who attend VU Jasper.

The one-year award also includes a $500 book stipend each semester and a new laptop computer. The support aims to help students begin their college education without out-of-pocket costs or student loans.

Foundation President Dan Fritch said the partnership with Strassenfest continues to make a direct impact on the community. “By working together, we raise scholarship funds that benefit local students, creating opportunities for their education and future success,” Fritch said.

This year’s contribution will allow the Foundation to award eight to ten new scholarships.

Strassenfest organizers said remaining funds will assist local nonprofits in emergencies and sustain the festival’s future. The winning Half Pot ticket this year belonged to a Jasper couple, who took home just over $77,000.