Introduction
Hoosiers, listen up! The 21st Century Scholarship is your ticket to affordable higher education in Indiana. With the recent introduction of the House Enrolled Act (HEA) 1449-2023, there have been essential updates that you need to be aware of.
The Basics of the 21st Century Scholarship
The 21st Century Scholarship is more than just financial aid; it’s an early-college promise program that covers two- or four-year scholarships. Primarily aimed at high school students, it provides assistance that goes beyond tuition, covering a variety of costs. The program is part of the larger Scholar Success Program, which aims to help students maintain eligibility throughout their academic journey.
Eligibility Guidelines
To qualify, you must be an eligible student residing in Indiana and meet specific criteria:
- Grade Level: Must be in 7th or 8th grade during the application period.
- Citizenship: U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals (including natives of American Samoa or Swains Island), and non-citizens with certain Alien Registration Receipt Cards (I-151, I-551, or I-551C) are eligible.
- Income: Should meet Free and Reduced Price Lunch eligibility or the income guidelines set by the program, which vary by family size.
Applying for the Scholarship
The ScholarTrack platform is the go-to place for your application. Applications open on October 1, 2023, and close by June 30 of the student’s 8th-grade year. The application includes a Scholar Pledge, promising to meet specific requirements during high school and college.
Financial Aspects
Costs Covered
- Tuition
- Books
- Room and Board
- Parking Fees
- Lab Fees
Additional Financial Aid
- Workforce Ready Grant: A supplemental grant for eligible students
- Padres Estrellas: A program targeting Hispanic and Latino communities
Academic Year and GPA Requirements
- GPA: The program requires a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale.
- Diploma Requirements: Students are expected to aim for a Core 40 with Academic Honors, Core 40 with Technical Honors, or an International Baccalaureate diploma.
Coverage Areas and Costs
The 21st Century Scholarship supports attendance at both public colleges and private or independent colleges within Indiana. Besides tuition, it also covers room and board, parking fees, and lab fees.
Unique Features of the Program
- Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP): A requirement for continued eligibility
- Scholar Success Program: A program offering guided resources for scholars
- Foster Care Provisions: Special clauses for students in foster care or legal guardianship
Deadlines and Timelines
- Application: October 1, 2023, to June 30 of the student’s 8th-grade year
- FAFSA: Must be filled out as part of the application process
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is homeschooling accepted?
- No, homeschooled students are not eligible.
- What are the income guidelines?
- The income guidelines range from $36,482 to $93,536, depending on family size.
Conclusion
There you have it! A comprehensive guide to understanding the nuances of the 21st Century Scholarship. From the updated House Enrolled Act to the various costs covered, this blog has it all. So, to all you happy students in the library or those anxious about the looming high school years, rest assured—your future just got a little brighter with this scholarship!
Happy studying, Hoosiers!
