Indiana’s 21st Century Scholars program is an early-college promise program designed to make college more affordable for students.
Eligible students who meet requirements receive a two- or four-year scholarship that pays up to 100% tuition at an eligible Indiana college or university.
JUMP TO RESOURCES
WHAT IS THE
21ST CENTURY SCHOLARSHIP ?
The 21st Century Scholarship is….
An opportunity for students to afford college in Indiana. The 21st Century Scholarship pays up to 100% of tuition at public colleges in Indiana and part of the tuition at private or independent colleges. Learn more about the schools, colleges and universities that accept the 21st Century Scholarship.
The scholarship does not cover the cost of books, room and board, parking fees, lab fees or any other fees that are not assessed to all students.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
To be eligible for 21st Century Scholars, students must:
BE AN INDIANA RESIDENT
BE ENROLLED IN 7TH OR 8TH GRADE
at an Indiana public or private school accredited by the Indiana Department of Education
BE A US CITIZEN OR ELIGIBLE NON-CITIZEN
BE A MEMBER OF A FAMILY THAT MEETS INCOME ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES
Note: A student in foster care does not need to meet this requirement.
For detailed requirements, visit LearnmMoreIndiana.org/scholars/enroll.
HOW DO I APPLY?
Get started at ScholarTrack.IN.gov. Parents/guardians will need to create an account to help students enroll, requiring their name and email address. Click on “My Account” to apply for the 21st Century Scholars program. You’ll receive an email with an application summary and program enrollment application after the application is received.
DEADLINE: JUNE 30 OF THE ELIGIBLE STUDENT’S 8TH-GRADE YEAR.
Visit this page for more information on how to apply and what to expect through the enrollment process.
Can I still enroll in high school or college?
Students must enroll in the 21st Century Scholars program by June 30 of the end of their 8th-grade year. The only exception is that students in foster care may enroll in high school. Indiana offers many other financial aid programs if you missed the enrollment deadline
21ST CENTURY SCHOLARS RESOURCES
Learn More Indiana provides several resources in various languages about the 21st Century Scholars program. Available resources include:
Visit our full resources page for additional resources on mental health, educator pathways and more!
SCHOLAR TRACK
ScholarTrack is the one-stop shop for Hoosiers’ state financial aid needs. ScholarTrack guides students and families through the process of planning for, applying to and maintaining their financial aid – beginning as early as middle school and continuing through college completion.
ScholarTrack is also used by high school and college students to track the completion of the Scholar Success Program.
PADRES ESTRELLAS
Padres Estrellas – translated from “Star Parents” – work to empower Hispanic and Latino communities to provide college and career support to students and families across Indiana.
By connecting with schools, neighborhoods and community partners, eight Padres Estrellas help students and families enroll in the 21st Century Scholars program and the Workforce Ready Grant. Funded by Indiana’s Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP), the goal of this initiative is increasing student access and attainment to higher education in Indiana.
21ST CENTURY SCHOLARSHIP QUALIFICATIONS
1. PERFORM ACADEMICALLY
21st Century Scholars must graduate from high school with at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale and with at least a Core 40 diploma or higher.
2. COMPLETE THE SCHOLAR SUCCESS PROGRAM
The Scholar Success Program outlines required activities that 21st Century Scholars must complete throughout high school to earn their scholarship. 21st Century Scholars are required to complete three activities per year of high school. Learn more about the high school Scholar Success Program here. Once students have completed their activities, they must log their experience into ScholarTrack.
The 21st Century Scholar Pledge
Each 21st Century Scholar must pledge the following by signing their name to commit to the program’s requirements.
I pledge to graduate with a minimum of a Core 40 diploma from a state-accredited Indiana high school. I will complete the Scholar Success Program in high school and in college that helps me stay on track for college and career success. I will achieve a cumulative high school GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. I will not use illegal drugs or alcohol or commit a crime or delinquent act. I will apply for admission to an eligible Indiana college my senior year and apply on time for student financial aid. As a college student I will complete at least 30 credit hours each year to stay on track toward earning my degree on time. I aim to succeed.
High School Requirements
Every year, you’ll have specific Scholar Success Program activities you’ll need to complete to earn the 21st Century Scholarship. The Scholar Success Program includes college and career-readiness activities designed to help students graduate high school and succeed in college.
3. EARN YOUR HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA
-> Core 40
-> Core 40 with Academic Honors
-> Core 40 with Technical Honors
-> International Baccalaureate
4. College Requirements
To maintain your 21st Century Scholarship after enrolling in college, you must do the following each year: earn at least 30 credits each academic year, file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by Indiana’s April 15 deadline, complete the college Scholar Success Program, and maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) as determined by your college.
21ST CENTURY
SCHOLARSHIP
QUALIFICATIONS
To receive the 21st Century Scholarship, students must meet income eligibility requirements and sign up in 7th or 8th grade.
Learn more about how to enroll here. After enrolling, Scholars must meet certain expectations in high school and in college to earn and maintain their scholarship.
PERFORM ACADEMICALLY
All Scholars must earn a cumulative (overall) high school grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Strive to do your best in every class!
EARN YOUR HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA
Click individual diploma options for more details. Core 40 Core 40 with Academic Honors Core 40 with Technical Honors International Baccalaureate
COMPLETE THE SCHOLAR SUCCESS PROGRAM
Honor the 21st Century Scholar Pledge
High School Requirements Brief explainer of how the Scholar Success Program works in high school with a link to the High School page with more in-depth information. College Requirements To maintain your full 21st Century Scholarship, you must do everything listed in the pop up. Click for details.
HOW DO I GET STARTED?
Every year, you’ll have specific Scholar Success Program activities you’ll need to complete in order to earn the 21st Century Scholarship. Below, you’ll see the requirements for each year. Remember to track your progress in ScholarTrack!
THE PLEDGE
Each 21st Century Scholar must pledge the following by signing their name to commit the this program’s requirements.
I pledge to graduate with a minimum of a Core 40 diploma from a state-accredited Indiana high school. I will complete the Scholar Success Program in high school and in college that helps me stay on track for college and career success. I will achieve a cumulative high school GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. I will not use illegal drugs or alcohol or commit a crime or delinquent act. I will apply for admission to an eligible Indiana college my senior year and apply on time for student financial aid. As a college student I will complete at least 30 credit hours each year to stay on track toward earning my degree on time. I aim to succeed.
MEET OUR
21ST CENTURY SCHOLAR ALUMNI
Our 21st Century Scholars Alumni are making a difference!
Northview High School, class of 2013
“The 21st century scholar program made it possible for me to attend college without fear of debt coming out. This was pivotal as it made it possible for me to make it through my first year out of college when I wasn't making much. I ended up pivoting my career and coming back to grad school which is how I've gotten to where I am now. 21st Century was a blessing to my career path.”
Excel Center Meadows, class of 2013
“I became a college graduate breaking the cycle of three generations of single mother dropouts in my family. I was accepted to IUPUI for the IU School of Social Work. I graduated in June 2021. Determined to be an example to my two young sons, I began to teach them the value of an education and giving back to the community. I put back the sense of urgency and importance of education back into my home. I also inspired my husband and mother to return to school. None of this would have been possible without the support of 21st Century Scholars. I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to show my family I could do it.”
Pike High School, class of 2005
"The opportunities that I was afforded being a 21st Century scholar were endless. As a first-generation college student of an immigrant family, the 21st Century scholar program allowed me the opportunity to live and realize the American dream. I will forever be thankful for the program"
DeKalb High School, class of 2015
“The opportunity to be a 21st Century Scholar is something I will always be grateful for. The program alleviated a huge portion of the financial stress associated with attaining a college education. It is amazing the doors this program opens for so many Hoosiers.”
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FAQ s
Graduate from a state-accredited Indiana high school.
– Graduate from high school with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
– Earn a minimum of a Core 40 diploma. – Complete all 12 high school Scholar Success Program requirements and track them in ScholarTrack by high school graduation.
– Apply to and be admitted to an eligible Indiana college, university, or proprietary school as a high school senior.
– Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by April 15 as a high school senior and each year thereafter until college graduation.
– Complete the college Scholar Success Program each year of college to renew your scholarship.
– Complete at least 30 credit hours each year of college.
– Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards established by your college.
– Maintain Indiana residency.
– Do not do drugs, commit a crime or delinquent act, or consume alcohol before reaching the legal drinking age.
You must receive notifications and updates from the 21st Century Scholars program to ensure you’re on track to complete your requirements in high school and college. Scholars can update their information in their ScholarTrack account at ScholarTrack.IN.gov.
If you enrolled in the program after June 30, 2011, the state will complete a financial means test each year you are in college to determine how much state aid you are eligible to receive.
To qualify to receive the Scholarship after high school graduation, you must be a member of a household with an annual income equal to or below 370% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). This is equal to double the amount to qualify for the Federal Reduced Lunch Program and initially enroll in the program.
For more information, click here for English and here for Spanish.
Yes. A Scholar student and/or his or her parent must report potential pledge violations to the program as soon as they become aware of the violation. Learn more here or view this help document in English or Spanish.
Potential pledge violations should be reported to Scholars@che.IN.gov or to: Indiana Commission for Higher Education ATTN: Financial Aid Support Center 101 West Ohio, Suite 300 Indianapolis, IN 46204
FAQ
What are the requirements to claim and use the 21st Century Scholarship?
Graduate from a state-accredited Indiana high school.
– Graduate from high school with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
– Earn a minimum of a Core 40 diploma. – Complete all 12 high school Scholar Success Program requirements and track them in ScholarTrack by high school graduation.
– Apply to and be admitted to an eligible Indiana college, university, or proprietary school as a high school senior.
– Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by April 15 as a high school senior and each year thereafter until college graduation.
– Complete the college Scholar Success Program each year of college to renew your scholarship. – Complete at least 30 credit hours each year of college.
– Maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP) standards established by your college.
– Maintain Indiana residency. – Do not do drugs, commit a crime or delinquent act, or consume alcohol before reaching the legal drinking age.
What should I do if I change schools or my contact information changes?
You must receive notifications and updates from the 21st Century Scholars program to ensure you’re on track to complete your requirements in high school and college. Scholars can update their information in their ScholarTrack account at ScholarTrack.IN.gov.
What if my household income changes between the time I enrolled in the 21st Century Scholars program and the time I graduate from high school?
If you enrolled in the program after June 30, 2011, the state will complete a financial means test each year you are in college to determine how much state aid you are eligible to receive.
To qualify to receive the Scholarship after high school graduation, you must be a member of a household with an annual income equal to or below 370% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). This is equal to double the amount to qualify for the Federal Reduced Lunch Program and initially enroll in the program.
For more information, click here for English and here for Spanish.
I believe I may have broken the Scholar Pledge. Is it my responsibility to report this potential pledge violation?
Yes. A Scholar student and/or his or her parent must report potential pledge violations to the program as soon as they become aware of the violation. Learn more at www.in.gov/che/4500.htm or view this help document in English or Spanish.
Potential pledge violations should be reported to Scholars@che.IN.gov or to: Indiana Commission for Higher Education ATTN: Financial Aid Support Center 101 West Ohio, Suite 300 Indianapolis, IN 46204