Indiana 21st Century Scholars

Quick Facts

• Program administrator: Indiana Commission for Higher Education (CHE) and Learn More Indiana.
• Purpose: Provide a tuition guarantee for income-eligible students who commit to academic and behavioral standards from middle school through college.
• Coverage: Up to 100% tuition and regularly assessed fees at Indiana public universities; comparable awards at approved private or proprietary institutions.
• Timeline: Students enroll in 7th or 8th grade, complete Scholar Success Program activities each year of high school, and receive awards for up to eight semesters of college.
• Stackability: Can be combined with Pell Grants, state grants (Frank O’Bannon), and private scholarships; funds apply first to tuition before other aid covers housing or books.
• Support services: ScholarTrack portal, regional outreach coordinators, campus-based ScholarCorps coaches, and mentoring partnerships.

Program Overview

Indiana’s 21st Century Scholars program is a pioneering college promise initiative that has helped more than 45,000 Hoosiers earn degrees since 1990. By committing in middle school, students lock in tuition support that follows them through college as long as they meet academic, behavioral, and service milestones. The program particularly benefits first-generation students, rural communities, and historically marginalized groups, boosting college-going rates and workforce readiness.

In 2025 the state expanded Scholar Success Program options to include financial literacy simulations, career exploration through the Indiana Career Explorer platform, and mental health resilience workshops. The program also streamlined verification for students already participating in SNAP, TANF, or Medicaid, automatically confirming income eligibility during enrollment.

Why the Program Matters in 2025

Indiana aims to reach a 60% postsecondary attainment rate by 2025. Scholars contribute significantly to that goal: they enroll in college at twice the rate of low-income peers and graduate at higher rates. With college costs rising, the tuition guarantee allows families to plan confidently years in advance. Additionally, new employer partnerships—like the Indiana Employers for Scholars coalition—offer paid internships, apprenticeships, and tuition supplements for scholars pursuing high-need fields such as education, nursing, and advanced manufacturing.

Eligibility Breakdown

1. Residency and citizenship: Applicants must be Indiana residents and U.S. citizens or eligible noncitizens. Parents/guardians must also reside in Indiana. DACA recipients can participate by submitting alternative documentation.
2. Income criteria: Families must meet income guidelines similar to free/reduced-price lunch or SNAP eligibility. For 2025, household income must be below 185% of federal poverty level. Students in foster care automatically qualify regardless of income.
3. Enrollment deadline: Students must apply between January 1 of 7th grade and June 30 of 8th grade. Late applications are not accepted except for foster youth or recent move-ins granted waivers.
4. Scholar Pledge: Students sign an affirmation to maintain good citizenship, refrain from drugs/alcohol, and complete required activities. Parents/guardians sign supporting pledges.
5. High school requirements: Complete the Scholar Success Program (three activities per year), earn a Core 40 diploma, graduate with at least a 2.5 GPA, and meet Indiana’s College & Career Readiness benchmarks (sat/act or alternative pathways).

Enrollment Roadmap

1. Create ScholarTrack account: Visit ScholarTrack.in.gov, select “Enroll in 21st Century Scholars,” and create accounts for student and guardian.
2. Gather documentation: Social Security numbers (if available), household income proof, free/reduced lunch approval, or SNAP/TANF award letters. Foster youth provide DCS case numbers.
3. Complete online application: Answer demographic questions, upload documents, and submit the Scholar Pledge. Applications must be submitted by June 30 of 8th grade year.
4. Confirmation: CHE reviews applications and sends approval letters via email and ScholarTrack. Approved students receive instructions for next steps and access to Scholar Success Program modules.
5. Engage with outreach coordinators: Regional coordinators host middle school workshops, parent nights, and summer bridge programs to prepare families for the high school journey.

Scholar Success Program (SSP)

Students complete three grade-specific activities each high school year (12 total). Examples include:

• Grade 9: Create a graduation plan, participate in a career interest inventory, attend a college campus visit.
• Grade 10: Take the PSAT, job shadow, and complete financial literacy training.
• Grade 11: Narrow college list, attend college fair, and review ScholarTrack progress with counselor.
• Grade 12: Submit college applications, complete FAFSA, and confirm postsecondary enrollment.

Activities are logged in ScholarTrack with counselor verification. Failing to complete them may suspend eligibility until requirements are met.

Maximizing the Program

• Stay ahead of SSP deadlines: Use ScholarTrack reminders and school counselor check-ins. Completing activities early leaves time for internships and AP coursework.
• Take rigorous classes: Core 40 with Academic or Technical Honors increases readiness and opens additional scholarships. Scholars can stack with the Mitch Daniels Early Graduation Scholarship if they finish high school early.
• Leverage tutoring: Schools and community organizations offer free tutoring for scholars. Indiana Online and GradPath accelerate credit completion.
• Participate in Scholar Success Days: These statewide events offer FAFSA workshops, essay writing labs, and mental health support.
• Engage families: Parents receive newsletters and text alerts. Encourage them to attend financial aid nights and scholarship workshops.

Transition to College

1. FAFSA completion: Submit by April 15 of senior year to secure state aid. ScholarTrack confirms completion automatically.
2. College choice: Scholars can attend any public university, including Ivy Tech and Vincennes, or approved private colleges (awards capped at state-set amounts). Consult CHE’s award charts to compare costs.
3. Scholar pledge reaffirmation: Before college, students reaffirm their pledge and review behavioral expectations (e.g., maintaining good standing, avoiding disciplinary probation).
4. Orientation and ScholarCorps: Most campuses host Scholar-specific orientations. ScholarCorps members provide peer mentoring, academic coaching, and community service opportunities.
5. Maintaining eligibility in college: Enroll full-time (12+ credits), maintain cumulative GPA required by the institution (generally 2.5), complete 30 credit hours per year (summer included), and file FAFSA annually.

Support Structures

• Regional Outreach Coordinators: Provide direct support to schools, churches, and community groups. They help track SSP completion, host family nights, and coordinate scholarship signing events.
• ScholarCorps AmeriCorps Members: Based on campuses, they assist with tutoring, financial literacy, and connecting scholars to internships.
• College Success Programs: Universities offer success seminars, peer mentoring, and emergency grants to keep scholars on track.
• Employer Partnerships: Companies like Eli Lilly, Cummins, and Cook Medical offer internships and tuition reimbursement for scholars pursuing relevant degrees.
• Community Organizations: Groups like Starfish Initiative, Center for Leadership Development, and La Plaza provide mentoring, STEM camps, and leadership training.

Common Challenges and Solutions

1. Missed SSP activities: Log into ScholarTrack regularly. If you miss an activity, contact your coordinator for approved make-up options (e.g., virtual college tours, webinars). Document participation with screenshots or certificates.
2. Academic struggles: Use school tutoring, summer bridge courses, and early college programs. CHE allows academic probation with a recovery plan if GPA dips below 2.5.
3. Behavioral issues: Violations of the pledge (drug/alcohol offenses) can lead to suspension. Engage in restorative programs, counseling, and document rehabilitation efforts when appealing.
4. College credit shortfalls: If you fall below 30 annual credit hours, enroll in summer courses. Scholars can use funds for summer if they notify financial aid offices.
5. Transfer between colleges: Scholars retain eligibility when transferring within Indiana. Coordinate with both financial aid offices to avoid gaps.

Timeline Checklist

Final Thoughts

Indiana’s 21st Century Scholars program rewards early commitment, steady progress, and community engagement. By enrolling on time, completing annual Scholar Success Program activities, and leaning on the robust support network from middle school through college, students can earn a debt-free degree at Indiana’s public institutions. Treat ScholarTrack as your command center—monitor milestones, communicate with coordinators, and document achievements. When combined with purposeful coursework and career exploration, the program transforms a promise made in middle school into a college diploma and a launchpad for Indiana’s next generation of leaders.