How do I apply for the Twenty-first Century Scholars Program?
Visit the state’s web site for application and eligibility information.

What is the Scholars Pledge?
All students must agree to several conditions, outlined in the Scholars Pledge, in order to participate in the Twenty-first Century Scholars Program. View the pledge.

What happens if I break the pledge?
In this situation, a report is made to the central office of the Twenty-first Century Scholars Program at the time of the alleged pledge violation. The central office retains full responsibility for follow-up. Go to www.scholars.in.gov for central office contact information.

As a Twenty-first Century Scholar, can I attend a college outside the state of Indiana?
No. The Twenty-first Century Scholarship can only be used at an eligible Indiana institution.

What if my child qualifies for the program one year, but then I get a raise?
Once a student is enrolled in the Twenty-first Century Scholars Program, an increase in family income will not affect that student’s participation in the program.

Who gives the money that supports the Twenty-first Century Scholars Program?
Funding for the program comes from the state of Indiana and a federal GEAR UP grant.

When is the application deadline?
Applications must be received by June 30 of a student's 8th grade year.

What is GEAR UP?
GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) is a discretionary grant program designed to increase the number of low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education. GEAR UP funds also are used to provide college scholarships to low-income students. For more information, visit http://www.ed.gov/programs/gearup/index.html.

Can I get a GED and use the Twenty-first Century Scholarship?
Students who receive a GED are not eligible to receive this award. Twenty-first Century Scholars must graduate, with a diploma, from a Performance Based Accredited (PBA) high school within the state of Indiana.

Where can I go to college?
The Twenty-first Century Scholars award can be applied to an eligible public, private, technical, or proprietary school in Indiana. For a list of eligible institutions, visit the State Student Assistance Commission of Indiana.

What does the scholarship pay for?
The Twenty-first Century Scholars award goes toward tuition and regularly assessed fees, such as technology fees, library fees, student activity fees, and health services fees. It will not cover other costs associated with college attendance, such as the cost of room and board, travel, books, etc.

I have other scholarships. Why is my Twenty-first Century Scholarship so small?
The award is a "last-dollar scholarship,” which means other tuition-specific aid applies first. The Twenty-first Century Scholarship is applied to cover the remainder of the recipient’s tuition and fees.

When do I get the money?
Payments are made directly from the state of Indiana to the student's college through a voucher system each semester or quarter. Money will not be paid directly to the student.

Do I have to go to college right after high school?
Students have up to two years to begin using their scholarship. However, students must still complete their affirmation forms during their senior year of high school and FAFSA applications every year of their deferment.

I'm going into the military. How does that affect my scholarship?
Once your service is complete, you must complete the appeal process with the Scholars central office for use of your scholarship funds.

How many semesters does this scholarship cover?
This scholarship covers eight semesters of an undergraduate degree.

I need to take some time off from college. Can I use my scholarship when I come back?
Counting down from the first semester the award is used, students have ten years to use all eight semesters.

Can I go to school part time and use this scholarship?
Scholars must enroll full time, defined as at least 12 credit hours that count towards a degree.

Will the scholarship pay for summer school?
No. It only applies to enrollment in fall and spring semesters or fall, winter, and spring quarters. However, you may qualify for an additional scholarship through GEAR UP. Visit http://www.ai.org/ssaci/programs/gearup.html for more information.

This seems too easy. What's the catch?
There is no catch. Students must simply meet all eligibility requirements for the program, keep the Scholars Pledge, and complete all necessary paperwork by requested deadlines. Once recipients have fulfilled these requirements, the scholarship is guaranteed by the state of Indiana.

I'm going to graduate from high school early. Can I use my scholarship?
If a student plans to graduate a semester early and start college during the spring semester, that student must file a FAFSA and a pledge affirmation form between January and March 1 of his/her junior year in high school.