21st Century Scholars

June 30 Deadline Approaching for 21st Century Scholars’ Enrollment
Seventh, Eighth Grade Students Encouraged to Apply

Indiana seventh and eighth grade students can still apply for the 21st Century Scholars program, but the June 30 deadline is swiftly approaching. Led by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education, 21st Century Scholars is the state’s early college promise program that provides up to four years of undergraduate tuition and fees for eligible low-income students at Indiana colleges and universities.

To qualify, students must apply during their seventh or eighth grade year. Most students who qualify for the federal free and reduced lunch guidelines will qualify for the 21st Century Scholars program – but students can only take advantage if they apply before the June 30 deadline.

“At a time when education beyond high school is more important than ever, it’s imperative for students who qualify to take advantage of financial aid programs such as 21st Century Scholars,” said the Indiana Commissioner for Higher Education Teresa Lubbers. “This program can be life-changing for those who apply, but we need the help of school and community partners and Scholar alumni and their families to help us spread the word so that more eligible students apply by the deadline.”

Help with enrollment available

Students and parents who need help signing up for the 21st Century Scholars program can get virtual assistance on June 25 at 2 p.m. (ET) and June 29 at 6 p.m. (ET) during Facebook Live events on Learn More Indiana’s Facebook page. The Commission’s outreach staff will be answering questions on the Learn More Indiana social media platforms the day of the events (Instagram: @LearnMoreIndiana and Twitter: @LearnMoreIN) but are always available via phone or email. To best serve the state, the Commission has split the state into eight regions. A full list of counties and associated numbers is available here.

Learn more and apply at www.Scholars.in.gov/enroll.

About 21st Century Scholars

Indiana’s 21st Century Scholars program is an early college promise program designed to help ensure that every Hoosier student can afford the opportunity provided by a high-quality postsecondary degree or credential. Income-eligible students who maintain the Scholar Pledge through excellence in school and life can receive a scholarship for up to 100 percent of tuition at an eligible Indiana college or university upon graduation from high school. The program was created in 1990 and celebrates 30 years of success in 2020.