The Carmel Christkindlmarkt team is currently accepting applications to their 2024 Christkind and Kulturecke Docent scholarship programs.

The Christkind is a long-standing tradition of all authentic Christkindlmarkts. An angelic figure, the Christkind is known for delivering Christmas presents and a Christmas tree to German families without being seen. At Christmas markets, this iconic figure gives out candy, takes pictures with guests, and more.

For the program, applicants must fill out an application and answer this essay question: The Christkind plays an integral role during Christmas in German-speaking countries and is an important part of the Carmel Christkindlmarkt. Research the origin and history of the Christkind, and discuss why this tradition remains relevant today and into the future.

Three winners will be selected in late October for the Christkind scholarship program. First place will receive a $1,000 scholarship, second place will receive a $500 scholarship, and third place will receive a $250 scholarship.

The program is open to high school and college students, and applications are due by October 4.

Our Kulturekce Docents participate in the Market by serving as a guide in our museum exhibit, the Kulturecke (Culture Corner). This scholarship program is also an essay contest, and applicants must fill out an application and answer the question: German immigrants have made significant contributions to culture and traditions in the State of Indiana. In 500 words, describe a German cultural tradition that you see alive in the state today and why you think it has remained an impactful part of Hoosier living history.

This program will also feature three winners at the $1,000, $500, and $250 scholarship levels and is open to high school and college students. Applications are due by October 11.

"We are proud to support local students through these two scholarship programs," said Maria Adele Rosenfeld, President and CEO of the Carmel Christkindlmarkt. "Our mission as an organization is to grow our guests' cultural awareness around German influence in Indiana, and these two programs are a key part of that."

To learn more about the Christkind Scholarship Program or apply, please go here: https://www.carmelchristkindlmarkt.com/get-involved/christkind-scholarship

To learn more about the Kulturecke Docent Scholarship Program or apply, please go here: https://www.carmelchristkindlmarkt.com/get-involved/kulturecke-docent-program

The Carmel Christkindlmarkt Christkind Scholarship Program is sponsored by Wallington Asset Management. The Kulturecke Docent Scholarship Program is sponsored by the Indiana German Heritage Society (IGHS).