The South Central Regional Support Site document summarizes the Twenty-first Century Scholars Program which aims to: 1) Increase high school graduation and college enrollment rates among low-income Indiana students. 2) Reduce drug and alcohol use and increase economic productivity by encouraging higher education. 3) Provide eligible 6th-8th grade students college tuition assistance if they meet income guidelines, make a pledge to graduate high school and enroll in college, and maintain a 2.0 GPA.

1. South Central Regional Support Site

2. The Program was established to: Reduce the number of students who withdraw from high school before graduation. Increase the number of students who are prepared to enter the workforce upon graduation from institutions of higher learning. Increase the number of low-income students entering institutions of higher learning. Decrease drug and alcohol use by encouraging higher educational pursuits. Increase individual economic productivity. Improve the overall quality of life for Indiana residents.

3. Eligible students must: Be a resident of Indiana as both an applicant and an award recipient (determined by the residency of the parent/legal guardian) and a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen. For information about citizenship qualifications, call 888-528-4719. Be enrolled in the 6 th , 7 th , or 8 th grade at a charter, freeway school or other Indiana school recognized by the Indiana Department of Education. Meet income requirements or be a ward of the court (i.e. foster child). Make a commitment to fulfill the Scholar’s Pledge.

4. The Scholar’s Pledge: I agree to graduate from a charter, freeway school or other Indiana school recognized by the Indiana Department of Education with an Indiana high school diploma. I will achieve a cumulative high school GPA of at least a 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. I will not use illegal drugs or alcohol or commit a crime. I will apply for admission to an eligible Indiana college, university or technical school as a high school senior. I will apply on time for state and federal financial aid.

5. 2009-10 Income Guidelines: Household Size Maximum Annual Income 2 $26,955 3 $33,874 4 $40793 5 $47,712 6 $54,631 For each additional person in your household, add $6,916. These guidelines are the same for the Free/Reduced Lunch Program.

6. What if household income changes? Students must meet the income guidelines at the time of application. Once enrolled, a Scholar is still enrolled in the Program even if household income increases as long as the Scholar keeps the Pledge. What is affected by an increase in income? Eligibility for other state and federal financial aid which is based upon household income.

7. How to apply: Obtain an application from the student’s school or Twenty-first Century Scholars Regional Support Site. Complete the application completely. Make a copy for your records. Or, apply online at www.scholars.in.gov Return the completed application by the June 30 th deadline to: Twenty-first Century Scholars Program 150 West Market Street, Suite 500 Indianapolis, IN 46204

8. How do you know if you are a Scholar? Contact the regional support site at 800-880-5213 or the state office at 888-528-4719. Applications take 4-6 weeks for processing. Incomplete or illegible enrollment applications will be returned to the applicant. Enrollment letters are sent out twice per year. Enrollment certificates are delivered to the schools for distribution. Some applications are chosen for income verification and must provide documentation.

9. What do you get from this program? Scholars receive four years of college tuition to attend an eligible Indiana public or private college, university or proprietary institution. Full tuition for a public institution Partial tuition up to a maximum $5,000+ at a private institution. Free support and college readiness programs and activities for Scholars and parents. Parent activities such as parent conferences, pledge ceremonies, and college and career planning workshops. Scholar activities such as college tours, summer camps, job shadowing, and enrichment activities.

10. What else do you get? Incentives to attend participating colleges and universities (ex. IU, Purdue, University of Evansville, Marian University) SAT/ACT fee waivers A toll-free hotline at 888-528-4719 A website for Scholars at www.scholars.in.gov Regional newsletters high- lighting local Scholar activities.

11. How to access and use the Scholarship: Submit a completed Affirmation Form on or before March 10 th of your senior year. File a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) every year by the FAFSA deadline for Indiana (March 10 th ) and complete all corrections by the deadline (May 15 th ) www.fafsa.ed.gov . Begin college and be a full-time student no later than 2 years after graduation (i.e. 2010 graduates must enroll in college by December, 31, 2012). Maintain academic progress in college.

12. How can you help? Inform your families about the Scholars Program. Help them complete the application. Make sure the application does not have missing information before mailing. Make a copy of the application to be given to the parent or to keep for your records. Help your families follow-up on their enrollment status. Encourage families to participate in Scholar programs. Put the Scholar link www.scholars.in.gov on your website.

13. How to reach us: Toll free at 800-880-5213 Or 812-856-1576 www.21scholars.com 1900 East Tenth Street Eigenmann Hall, Room 610 Bloomington, IN 47406