Indiana University's Covenant

Indiana University's 21st Century Scholarship Covenant: A Powerful Promise

In the summer of 2006, Roger Thompson chaired Indiana University's Affordability Task Force. Recently appointed the university's vice provost for enrollment management, Thompson now led a group charged with finding a way to make the state's flagship public higher-education institution affordable for all Indiana residents. The impetus for the task force was clear. "We were tired of complaining that there was not enough money for need-based aid," Thompson explained. "We felt it was time to do something about it." A wide range of people participated on the task force—admissions and financial aid officers, alumni, Indiana University Foundation representatives, and even the school's chief financial officer.

Financial aid for the 21st century 

Building on a state financial aid program, the task force created the 21st Century Scholarship Covenant. The Covenant is designed to give every state resident a chance to earn a college degree by eliminating financial barriers. Traditional financial aid from the State of Indiana's 21st Century Scholarship program, which was initiated by Senator Evan Bayh when he was governor, primarily pays for tuition and fees, but accounts for less than half the cost of a college education. The Covenant closes the financial gap by providing grants to cover expenses such as room, board, and books.

Making it work

Having decided to offer the Covenant, the next order of business was to find funding. Rather than seek new funds, Thompson set about reallocating existing money to the program. "Once we had the numbers in place," says Thompson, "it was surprising how we did not have to give up much else."

Once it was presented to the campus community, the Covenant received overwhelming support from the provost, Michael A. McRobbie (now Indiana University's president), the trustees, faculty, and staff. Upon formal approval in November 2006, Thompson's group sent brochures to every student in grades 7–12 in the state, as well as to all high schools and numerous community associations. The team reached out to educators throughout the state. For example, the dean of the university's school of education met with the superintendent of the Indianapolis public schools about the Covenant.

Impact

Thompson hoped to enroll 200 students the first year, 250 the second, and eventually sign up 400 by the fifth year. The first year (2007), however, 270 students enrolled, followed by 470 students in 2008. The program will be fully operational in the 2010-11 academic year, allowing nearly 1,000 students per year to attend college. "It has been," says Thompson, "far more popular than we ever anticipated." The university has instituted a research program to measure the program's effectiveness. Preliminary indicators are increased enrollments at Indiana University by 21st Century Scholars, and increased persistence to their sophomore year.

The great demand for the Covenant underscores its need, and the impact it can make in the lives of many families. It also helps the university's diversity; 40 percent of Covenant members are members of minority groups. And it is rewarding to its creators. "It helps the right people—people who need help, and makes you feel good about what you do in higher education," says Thompson. "I have a hard time believing that I will ever be involved in anything better."

The Indiana 21st Century Scholars Program

Prospective students must complete the following steps to participate in the State of Indiana's 21st Century Scholars Program.

• Apply to Indiana University early in the fall of your senior year of high school and be accepted for admission to a bachelor's-degree program at Indiana University, Bloomington.
• Sign and mail your 21st Century Scholars pledge affirmation on time.
• File for state and federal financial aid by completing and submitting the FAFSA on or before March 1.
• Enroll as a full-time bachelor's-degree student at Indiana University, Bloomington.

Students are reminded that:

• All required forms must be filled out correctly and filed on time.
• You must be enrolled full-time.
• The most important form is the FAFSA, which you must file every year. It will determine how much (if any) money your family will be expected to contribute before either scholarship is awarded.
• The federal government oversees the FAFSA process. Colleges and universities do not determine a student's expected family contribution.

In order to be eligible, students must:

• Be an Indiana resident as an applicant and award recipient (determined by residency of parent/legal guardian).
• Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen.
• Be enrolled in the 6th, 7th, or 8th grade at a charter, freeway, or other Indiana school recognized by the Indiana Department of Education.
• Complete and return the 21st Century Scholars application by June 30 of your 6th-, 7th-, or 8th-grade year.
• Meet income requirements as defined on the 21st Century Scholars application, be a ward of the court/county, or be in foster care.
• Make a commitment to fulfill the program's pledge at the time of application and reaffirm the pledge as a high school senior.
• Apply on time for state and federal student financial aid.

21st Century Scholars pledge

The state of Indiana provides a pledge for prospective Covenant members:

• I will graduate with an Indiana high school diploma from a charter, freeway, or other Indiana school recognized by the Indiana Department of Education.
• I will achieve a cumulative high school GPA of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• I will not use illegal drugs or alcohol, or commit a crime.
• I will apply for admission to an eligible Indiana college or proprietary school as a high school senior.
• I will apply on time for state and federal financial aid.

I understand that I must be an Indiana resident (as determined by the permanent residence of my parent or legal guardian), a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen. I will enroll as a full-time student at an eligible Indiana college or proprietary institution and meet all other financial aid requirements at the institution I attend. I understand that I must also file an error-free FAFSA.

Read more real success stories at Breaking Barriers.

Photo: Dr. Roger J. Thompson, Vice Provost for Enrollment Management, Indiana University