Indiana Republicans’ proposed state budget does not include the College Success Program grant, set to continue through the end of this year. However, not much will physically change for those impacted by the grant at IU.
In 2023, the Indiana Commission for Higher Education awarded $1 million to IU under the House Enrolled Act No. 1001 for the 2023-25 state budget. This was called the 2023 College Success Program grant and allowed IU to dedicate funding towards hiring 12 full-time student success coaches for the 21st Century Scholars program across the campuses.
While the original grant will expire at the end of the year, the student success coach positions will continue to be supported by other state funding.
Founded in 1990, the 21st Century Scholars Program provide financial and academic resources to support low and middle-income college students. Freshman and 21st Century Scholar Kali Yazel said having access to her student success coach has been important for her college career.
“I have not met with anyone in person or like phone call, but she is constantly connecting with me to make sure that I know she’s there,” Yazel said. “I think this is really important for students who don’t necessarily have people like that they can text.”
The College Success Program was originally set to end on Oct. 31, 2024. However, an extension of another $1 million for the second year was granted based off the growth the program showed after receiving the grant.
According to a IU Today article last year, IU Bloomington was one of the six IU campuses to see increased retention of first year 21st Century Scholars from the 2022-23 academic year to 2023-24. Additionally, it also saw an increase in bachelor’s degrees earned by scholars.
“It’s almost like being in a club,” Yazel said. “It’s like its own bubble with monthly newsletters, social events and things like that. There are girls that I’ve met through it who I’m now good friends with.”
The Braun-backed budget is a step toward his pledge to cut $700 million in government spending over the next two years. This involves excluding some of the money toward state educational institutions.
Martin University, a Predominantly Black Institution in Indiana, began receiving state funding just two years ago. They are now facing possible withdrawal of state funds.
“The withdrawal of state funding does not mean that the university lacks funding,” Martin University’s Board of Trustees Chair Joseph Perkins said in a statement online. “Martin has appreciated the support from the state, but it is not the foundation of our operations.”
On the other hand, the exclusion of the College Success Program will not stop all state funding toward 21st Century Scholars at IU.
“Governor Mike Braun’s proposed budget continues to fund Indiana’s 21st Century Scholars Program,” Emily Price, communications director for Indiana Commission for Higher Education, said in an email to the IDS. “The College Success Program is separate and was established through HEA 1001-2023 as one-time funding to create the College Success coaching positions.”
