21st Century Scholars

Indiana GEAR UP, a Purdue-run college-prep program for more than 13,000 low-income students, will end Sept. 30 after the U.S. Education Department canceled its $35 million grant.

Indiana officials once again set a statewide goal that at least 60% of high school seniors complete the FAFSA by April 15.

A bill that would have expanded a college scholarship program was changed Thursday to create a separate fund for post-secondary training instead. Lawmakers will decide on the details of this new fund in 2025.

Too few Indiana students were applying for a scholarship that covers 100 percent of tuition at state public universities and colleges. Now a new law automatically enrolls qualified students. State officials are making additional changes to help keep students from falling through the cracks.

21st Century Scholars must pledge to reach academic and other goals in both high school and college. McGinley-King completed all of the high school requirements, and enrolled at Holy Cross College in northern Indiana, after graduating from Cathedral High School in Indianapolis in 2021.

Some of Indiana's new education laws are highly controversial.

Indiana's 21st Century Scholars program provides up to 100 percent tuition for public state colleges and part of the tuition at private and independent colleges for low-income students.

Indiana's 21st Century Scholars program provides up to 100 percent tuition for public state colleges and part of the tuition at private and independent colleges.

21st Century Scholars assists qualified students with college preparation and financial assistance; only half of these students apply.

While four in 10 Indiana students are eligible for 21st Century Scholars, only half of them apply. Such numbers leave some advocates and others wanting better access to programs designed to help students bridge the gap between K-12 and college.