Annual Awards & Ben Baker Scholarship
Annually, The Arc of Bartholomew County recognizes those who have furthered the mission of The Arc.
The next Award Ceremony will take place in 2026 at TBD.
The deadline to nominate individuals for awards is TBD.
Award Categories:
Self-Advocate Award
Recognize an outstanding individual who is an achieving, inclusive member of his/her community.
Has shown growth in self-help skills, work skills, and/or independent living skills.
Has shown success in competitive, community or supported employment.
Educator of the Year
Recognize an educator/teacher/person who works in the educational arena and has demonstrated excellence in teaching and assisting students with special needs.
Has positively influenced the attitudes and thinking of other educational professionals as well as the general public regarding the education of students with disabilities.
Fostered inclusion with students with disabilities in the educational process.
Volunteer of the Year
Recognize a volunteer who has given generously of time and talents to accomplish the mission of The Arc in meeting the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
Professional of the Year
Recognize a person employed in the field of serving individuals with developmental disabilities and whose work has resulted in improvement in supports and services for people with disabilities and their families.
Positively influenced the attitudes and thinking of other professionals as well as the general public.
Assisted in furthering The Arc’s goal of full inclusive opportunities for all persons with disabilities.
Ben Baker Memorial Scholarship
The Arc of Bartholomew County is pleased to sponsor the Ben Baker Memorial Scholarship award for the 2026-2027 academic year. The winner will be announced at our Annual Awards Ceremony in May 2026..
Submission Deadline: May 1, 2026 for 2026-2027 Academic Year
Description: In keeping with The Arc of Bartholomew County’s commitment to persons with disabilities or developmental delays, the scholarship is available to a Bartholomew County graduating senior (either mid-term or ending term) or any other Bartholomew County resident who intends to begin studies toward an advanced degree in the fall of 2025.
Amount: Up to $1,000
Criteria:
Must have demonstrated an interest in assisting or advocating for individuals who have disabilities and/or plan to pursue an education/career related to assisting or advocating for individuals who have disabilities
Application Process: Download the Application below and email it to wendy.kirts@thearcbc.org
Origin of Ben Baker Scholarship:
The Arc of Bartholomew County Ben Baker Scholarship is named after an individual named Ben Baker for his work in making Columbus a more welcoming place for people with developmental disabilities. Ben and Georgeanna Baker's son, Mark, had Down syndrome. Mark was part of the first generation of individuals with Down syndrome who were raised by their families and not placed in an institution. Ben and Georgeanna worked tirelessly to create opportunities for Mark, including the development of the first classroom in Columbus for people with Down syndrome.
The community of Columbus now stands on the tall shoulders of people like Ben and Georgeanna Baker, who saw the potential in their son, Mark, and paved the way for all others in our community! The Ben Baker Scholarship celebrates the strives that have been made to include and advocate for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in our community, as well as create opportunities to further the improvement of their lives.
Friend of The Arc
Recognize an individual or organization that has performed outstanding service on behalf of people with developmental disabilities and their families.
Provided assistance consistent with The Arc’s Mission Statement and/or Position Statements.
Youth Recognition Award
Recognize a youth or group of youths/organization that has performed outstanding service on behalf of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
Recognize youth that has given generously of time and talents to accomplish the mission of The Arc.