About

Supporting you and your goals

The 21st Century Scholars Success Program is a support program for IU Indianapolis students who affirm their 21st Century Scholars pledge and attend IU Indianapolis. The program empowers you, the scholar, to articulate and achieve your personal, educational, and career goals by providing services, resources, and support systems that promote academic achievement and timely graduation. By participating in the program, you’re supported in developing key skills to increase confidence and motivation—ultimately contributing to your success!

Our history

Started in 1990, the 21st Century Scholars program is a nationally-recognized, early college promise program that offers income-eligible Hoosiers up to four years of paid tuition at a participating Indiana college or university after graduating from high school.

Since 2003, the IU Indianapolis 21st Century Scholars Success Program has implemented programs, services, and policies that significantly improve the retention of 21st Century Scholars. Our primary focus is the First-Year 21st Peer Mentoring Program, which has grown to 34 mentees supporting more than 300 participants. In 2012, our office received the Outstanding Institutional Advising Award from NACADA for our work in peer mentoring.

Recently, we have collaborated closely with the Indiana Commission for Higher Education ScholarCorp/ Americorps program, the City of Indianapolis EmployIndy Indy Achieves Program, and several partners on the IU Indianapolis campus to support scholars on their educational journey.

When we championed this program more than 30 years ago, the results we see today are exactly what we were working toward at the time. The 21st Century Scholars program continues to offer all of us the opportunity to come together and celebrate the hard work and dedication of young Hoosiers who aspire to go to college.

Former Senator Evan Bayh

Outcomes

  • The four-year graduation rate has more than tripled for 21st Scholars at IU Indianapolis since 2008.
  • Statewide, 86% of scholars enroll in college within one year of college.
  • Statewide, 40,000 students have earned a college degree with a 21st Century Scholarship.
  • Statewide, nearly 100,000 students are enrolled in the 21st Century Scholarship program.

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