Succeeding as Scholars: Behind the scenes of 21st Century Scholars’ progress in Indiana

<p>Since the 21st Century Scholars program was introduced in 1990, it has helped more than 45,000 Hoosier students earn a degree. Less than half of eligible high school graduates are enrolled in the program. <strong>Unsplash, Photo Courtesy</strong></p>

Since the 21st Century Scholars program was introduced in 1990, it has helped more than 45,000 Hoosier students earn a degree. Less than half of eligible high school graduates are enrolled in the program. Unsplash, Photo Courtesy

Income requirements to enroll

Household size    Maximum annual income

2                             $32,227

3                             $40,626

4                             $49,025

5                             $57,424

6                             $65,823

7 or more              For each additional person, add $8,399

Parents or guardians can enroll their children by June 30 before their eighth grade year of public or private school. Additional application requirements regarding documentation and contact information can be found at scholartrack.in.gov.

Source: Learn More Indiana

Though college-going rates in Indiana have been decreasing over the past five years, according to the Indiana Commission for Higher Education (ICHE), 21st Century Scholars are on track to close that gap by 2025. The scholarship, which covers up to four years of tuition for eligible students at participating state universities, has helped more than 45,000 students earn a degree since it was introduced in 1990, said Indiana Commissioner for Higher Education Teresa Lubbers in a Dec. 15, 2021, press release. 

Nearly 10 percent of Indiana high school graduates are 21st Century Scholars. However, there are many more students who could access the program, as approximately half of eligible students enroll each year. Students must enroll in the program between their seventh and eighth grade years and must meet income requirements depending on family size.

Maggie Getzin, DN


Requirements for 21st Century Scholars

  • Students sign up between their seventh and eighth grade years if they meet income requirements.

  • After enrolling, students must keep a 2.5 or higher cumulative GPA in high school and earn at least a Core 40 diploma.

  • Students must enroll in a college or university within one year of graduating from high school.

  • Students must sign and follow the Scholar Pledge, which includes promising to not use illicit drugs or consume alcohol before reaching the legal drinking age.

  • While enrolled in a participating Indiana college or university, students must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid by April 15 each year, maintain satisfactory academic progress — as determined by the college — and earn at least 30 credit hours each academic year.

  • Students must complete the College Scholar Success Program each year they are enrolled in college, which includes one additional activity per year such as networking, being in extracurricular clubs, creating portfolios and other programs listed among required activities.

Source: Learn More Indiana

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