To celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Indiana’s 21st Century Scholars program, the Indiana Commission for Higher Education (ICHE) is asking Hoosiers to nominate alumni students who benefited from the program as well as organizations and individuals who have contributed significantly to its success.
Since 1990, the 21st Century Scholars program has helped more than 65,000 low-income Hoosier students afford and succeed in college. Developed by then-Governor Evan Bayh and former Commissioner for Higher Education Stan Jones, the program is a need- and performance-based program that provides students the opportunity to earn up to a four-year scholarship at an Indiana college.
The program represents a significant ongoing commitment from state leaders to fund higher education for students in need: From 1990 to 2014, the state has dedicated $495 million to scholarships for students who qualify.
ICHE is accepting nominations in three award categories through May 1, 2015:
Distinguished Alumni Award (Individual)
This award recognizes an outstanding 21st Century Scholars alumnus for his or her professional achievements, contributions to society and continued support to the program. Nomination forms are online here and are open to any alumnus who has successfully earned a postsecondary credential.
Outstanding Partner Award (Organization)
This award recognizes an outstanding school, community organization or other partner for its impact and contributions to the 21st Century Scholars program. Any school, non-profit, business, foundation or governmental agency may submit a nomination here.
Champion Award (Individual)
This award recognizes an individual who has made an essential contribution to the success of the 21st Century Scholars program and the students it serves. Nomination forms are online here and open to parents, family members, mentors, school personnel, current or alumni scholars—anyone who has advanced the program’s mission of college and career readiness and student success.
Winners will be recognized at a 25th Anniversary Celebration and Awards Reception in July 2015. The awards are just one aspect of a year-long effort to commemorate and build on the success of Indiana’s groundbreaking 21st Century Scholars program.