7th and 8th Graders: Apply Now for the 21st Century Scholarship!

Your child may be eligible for up to four years of paid college tuition!

What is the 21st Century Scholarship? 

Eligible students who maintain the Scholar Pledge to excellence in school and life receive a scholarship for up to four years of up to 100% tuition at an eligible Indiana college or university after they graduate from high school. 

The early-college promise program offers:

  • Free college tuition at an Indiana college/university 
  • College Application Fee Waivers
  • SAT/ACT Fee Waivers

To sign up your student in the 21st Century Scholars program, your student must be:

  • A resident of Indiana
  • Enrolled in 7th or 8th grade
  • A U.S. citizen/national or permanent resident or refugee
  • A member of a family that meets the income eligibility guidelines

The deadline to register is June 30, 2023, of your student’s 8th grade year.

 More information is available HERE.

What is the 21st Century Scholarship? 

Eligible students who maintain the Scholar Pledge to excellence in school and life receive a scholarship for up to four years of up to 100% tuition at an eligible Indiana college or university after they graduate from high school. 

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 does the 21st Century Scholarship cover? 

 At in-state, public two-year, and four-year colleges, the 21st Century Scholarship covers up to 100 percent of tuition and some regularly assessed fees, such as technology, student-activity, and health services fees. The scholarship pays part of the tuition at private or independent colleges and approved for-profit specialty or proprietary schools. 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. 

What is the Scholar Success Program? 

The Scholar Success Program includes activities in high school and in college to help students as they prepare for college and career success and stay on track to earn and maintain the 21st Century Scholarship. 

What is ScholarTrack? 

ScholarTrack is the one-stop shop for Hoosiers’ state financial aid needs. ScholarTrack guides students and families through the process of planning for, applying and maintaining their financial aid. ScholarTrack is also used by high school and college students to track the completion of the Scholar Success Program. 

What should I do if I change schools or my contact information changes? 

It’s important that you receive notifications and updates from the 21st Century Scholars program to make sure you’re on track to complete your requirements in high school and in college. Scholars can update their information in their ScholarTrack account at ScholarTrack.IN.gov. 

What income information do I need to give when applying for the 21st Century Scholars program? 

The application was simplified last spring removing the specific income questions. Parents just need to check that they meet the income guidelines as listed on the application worksheet or in ScholarTrack. 

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? 

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.