The Twenty-first Century Scholars Program began in 1990 as Indiana's way of raising the educational aspirations of low- and moderate-income families. The program aims to ensure that all Indiana families can afford a college education for their children.

Income-eligible 7th- and 8th-graders who enroll in the program and fulfill a pledge of good citizenship to the state are guaranteed the cost of four years of college tuition at any participating public college or university in Indiana. If the student attends a private institution, the state will award an amount comparable to that of a public institution. If the student attends a participating proprietary school, the state will award a tuition scholarship equal to that of Ivy Tech State College.

In 1995, the first group of Scholars headed to college - with the continued support of the Governor and the Indiana General Assembly.

The Goals

• help more students continue their educations,

• reduce the high school dropout rate,

• prepare students for the workforce,

• decrease the use of drugs and alcohol among middle and high school students, and

• improve individual economic productivity and the quality of life for all Indiana residents.