There are new requirements for the state’s 21st Century Scholars program.
The 21st Century Scholars program provides funding to low-income students who plan on pursuing more educational opportunities after high school.
The Indiana Commissioner for Higher Education has implemented the Scholar Success Program, a series of 12 steps scholars must complete in high school to earn the scholarship. This is in addition to the previously set requirements.
The Knox support site of the 21st Century Scholars is closing its doors effective June 30. The Knox site supports students in Starke, Pulaski, Jasper and Fulton counties.
The 21st Century Scholars Program was initiated to ensure that every student who wanted to go to college could afford to do so. Income-eligible seventh and eighth grade students who enrolled in the program and fulfilled a pledge of good citizenship could receive tuition up to four years at any participating public college or university in the state.
The Regional Coordinator at the Knox site, Kelly Manning, said that even though the support site is closing, the scholarship will still be available.
“The promise of the scholarship is still there for the students, just not the support from the support sites,” said Manning.
The North Judson-San Pierre School Board discussed teacher evaluation requirements at their meeting this week. Superintendent Lynn Johnson said that evaluations are necessary due to state law and those evaluations will determine merit pay for the teachers. The components that will be required are still being determined.
Kelly Manning from 21st Century Scholars and Senator Ed Charbonneau recognized Suzie Matzat during the Board meeting. She has been instrumental in keeping the program alive in the Middle School where she was the Guidance Counselor for many years and in the High School where she maintains that position. She was given a plaque as a result of her positive promotion in getting the word out about the program where students can earn free tuition to an Indiana College or University if they sign a contract and remain drug and alcohol free throughout their school career.
State Senator Ed Charbonneau was in Knox last night to speak at the 21st Century Scholars ceremony.
“This is a very exciting program that provides college tuition for four years at a state college or university, and an equivalent amount if a student wants to go to a private school,” said Senator Charbonneau. “What this does is remove the worry that a young family might have of how they’re going to pay for their child’s college education.”
The scholarships are based on income levels, but the only criteria is that the students conduct themselves in a positive manner through high school.
