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21st Century Scholars

Have you heard about Indiana’s 21st Century Scholars program?
It offers income-eligible Hoosier students up to four years of paid tuition at an eligible Indiana college or university after they graduate from high school, depending upon financial need. Tuition is a big part of college expenses, and the 21st Century Scholarship may provide tens of thousands of dollars in financial aid over the course of four years.

Indiana started the 21st Century Scholars in 1990 to ensure that every student can afford a college education. Income-eligible 7th and 8th graders who enroll in the program and fulfill a pledge of good citizenship are guaranteed to receive up to four years of undergraduate tuition. If you attend a private or an independent institution, the state will award an amount comparable to that of a public institution. If you attend a participating proprietary (private career) school, the state will award a tuition scholarship equal to that of Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana.

As a 21st Century Scholar, you can get help finding free tutoring, a mentor and a part-time job, and once you get to college, students who are 21st Century Scholars receive support to finish their college degrees. 

 
 

  • WHEN TO ENROLL...
    You can enroll your child in the program from the time they enter 7th grade to June 30 of their 8th grade year.

    Parents of 8th graders are encouraged to enroll their child as soon as possible to not miss out on this important opportunity.

 

  • WHO CAN ENROLL...
    To enroll, your child must:

    • Be a resident of Indiana
    • Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
    • Be enrolled in 7th and 8th grade at an Indiana public or private school accredited by the Indiana Department of Education
    • Be a member of a family that meets income eligibility requirements
 

  • INCOME GUIDELINES...

    21st Century Scholars Program Income Guidelines (2022-2023)
    Household Size Maximum Annual Income
    2 $33,874
    3 $42,606
    4 $51,338
    5 $60,070
    6 $68,802
    For each additional person in the household, add $8,732.
 

  • ARE YOU READY TO ENROLL?
    Once you are ready to enroll, the first step is to create a parent account. You will need to provide your name and an email address to create an account. Visit Scholars.IN.gov/enroll for more information on the application process. Follow the 3 simple steps below to enroll and start your child on the path to becoming a 21st Century Scholar.

    STEP 1: PARENTS CREATE YOUR ACCOUNT...

    1. CREATE AN ACCOUNT
      Visit ScholarTrack.IN.gov (or Scholars.IN.gov and click “Log in to ScholarTrack). Click “Create an Account” and select “I am a parent or guardian”. You will need to provide your name and an email address.

    2. APPLY FOR SCHOLARS
      Parents can apply to 21st Century Scholars via the ScholarTrack system. Click on “My Account” to submit an application and manage student appeals. The application takes about 30 minutes to complete.

    3. TRACK PROGRESS
      Parents can track their child’s Scholar Success Program (SSP) progress in high school and view their child’s state financial aid status in college by clicking “View/Edit Student” on the dashboard.

    Keep your contact information up to date in your ScholarTrack account via the "My Account" tab. You will receive important updates and information to help your child stay on track for college and career success.

    STEP 2: ENROLL ONLINE...
    Enroll online at Scholars.IN.gov and provide:

    • Student's Social Security Number, date of birth, and address.
    • Parent or guardian's Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, if applicable.
    • 2021 gross income amounts for all members of the household. If applying after December 31, 2022, use 2022 gross income.
    • A valid email address (free email accounts are available at Gmail.com, Yahoo.com, Hotmail.com, and Live.com).

    QUESTIONS...
    Contact Ms. Williams, CMS School Counselor at (812) 376-4406 or williamssh@bcsc.k12.in.us

    RESOURCES...