Grants aim to sustain rapid gains in Scholars on track to receive scholarships. The Indiana Commission for Higher Education is asking high schools and community organizations to apply for a portion of $500,000 in grant funds available to ensure students in Indiana’s 21st Century Scholars program complete new scholarship requirements.
Approximately one third of Scholars in the graduating Class of 2017 are currently on track to earn the state scholarship that pays for up to four years of college tuition.
Schools and community organizations must apply online for the grants at scholars.in.gov/grants by September 30, 2016. Grant applicants are eligible for $25 per senior Scholar (Class of 2017), who completes the Scholar Success Program requirements. Funding is available for all Indiana high schools with senior Scholars.
Schools and organizations that do not take advantage of this grant opportunity are forfeiting hundreds—and even thousands—of dollars designed to support local program development and student support efforts.
For 26 years, Indiana’s 21st Century Scholars program has provided up to four years of full tuition scholarships for low-income students who meet certain academic and preparation requirements. In an effort to help more Scholars prepare for the rigors of college and successfully earn a degree, the Indiana General Assembly tasked the Commission with developing a student success program in 2011.
Developed by an advisory group of educators, community leaders and business stakeholders in 2012, the Scholar Success Program includes 12 activities 21st Century Scholars must complete in high school to earn their scholarships. Activities are designed to be completed in specific years but can be completed until spring of the graduating year.
The activities are required for all enrolled Scholars, beginning with the high school graduating Class of 2017.
