Proposed Legislation Would Automatically Enroll Eligible Students Into 21st Century Scholar Program

Indiana’s 21st Century Scholars program is an early-college promise program designed to make college more affordable for students.

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INDIANAPOLIS – An Indiana lawmaker is setting out to boost college attainment. 

On Wednesday, State Senator Eddie Melton’s Senate Bill 435 was heard in the Senate Education and Career Development Committee.

The legislation would automatically enroll eligible Indiana students into the 21st Century Scholars Program.

Under the program, eligible students who meet requirements receive a two or four-year scholarship that pays up to 100 percent tuition at an eligible Indiana college or university.

“Boosting college attainment and getting more young people on the pathway to college is critical in our state, and I’m glad my bill to make that happen was heard today,” Senator Melton said. “For both the Senate Democratic Caucus and the Black Legislative Caucus, it is a top priority to get legislation like this passed this year. By automatically enrolling students in the 21st Century Scholars Program, more of our kids—especially those in Black and other minority communities—will be able to access college with robust financial support.”

Melton added that the bill aims to help reverse the state’s declining college attainment rate and attract more high-paying jobs to the state.

SB 435 will be open for amendments and a vote in next week’s Senate Education and Career Development Committee.