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 may receive up to four years of undergraduate tuition at any participating public college or university in Indiana. In an effort to serve a growing number of students participating in the program, the scholarship amount may be reduced depending on the availability of funds and the availability of the student's family to contribute to college.

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.

Please refer to the Parent Resource to view information about how to apply.

More information will be available starting October 1^st. 

• 8^th grade students who receive Free/Reduced Lunch should be automatically enrolled in the scholarship program by the state.
• Students that are eligible for Free/Reduced Lunch, but are not receiving the service should consider applying for lunch benefits at this link: Family Portal for Lunch Accounts
• Students who get auto-enrolled or are eligible for the schoalrship, per lunch status at NACS will be creating full student accounts in Scholar Track during 8^th grade year with the help of counselors and regional representatives.
  • All students, regardless of lunch status and/or a desire to attend a post-secondary institution following graduation will need a scholar track account in high school. Decisions about college do NOT need to be made in middle school
  • Applications for this significant financial aid opportunity must be submitted by June 30^th of a student’s 8^th grade year! 

The 21st Century Scholars application is only available online. Eligible 7th and 8th grade students and their parents or legal guardians may access the online application at the 21st Century Scholars website. Applications must be submitted by June 30th of the student's 8th grade year. Please review income eligibility requirements online before applying.

What you need before you apply

1. Student's Social Security Number, date of birth, and address
2. Parent or guardian's Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, if applicable
3. Income information
4. A valid email address (free email accounts are available at yahoo.com, gmail.com, hotmail.com and live.com)

What you will do when you apply

1. Answer pre-enrollment questions
2. Enter student contact information (address, phone, email, school information and SSN)
3. Agree to the 21st Century Scholar Pledge
4. Enter income information for parent or guardian
5. Review and submit application
6. You will receive an email with an application summary and program enrollment information after the application is received.

Students who meet the eligibility requirements but who are currently in the 6^th grade should hold their application until their 7^th or 8th grade year. For more details regarding the program and eligibility requirements, please visit their website.