350 21st Century Scholars receive free tuition, boarding

For freshman Monica Burris, being a member of the 21st Century Scholarship program is a blessing. \nBurris is one of 350 freshmen in the 21st Century Scholarship initiative, a program that provides lower- to middle-income students the opportunity to attend a college such as IU. \nThe scholarship covers the full cost of attendance, room and board, and textbooks. \n“I am a first generation college student, and if it wasn’t for this program, I wouldn’t be attending (college),” Burris said. \nThis year’s scholars began applying as early as seventh and eighth grade. The program was established to increase college enrollment, prepare students to enter the workforce upon gradation and improve the overall quality of life for Indiana residents. \n“Making IU Bloomington more accessible to qualified students from low-and moderate-income families continues to be a priority of Indiana University and its board of trustees,” said IU President Michael McRobbie, in an IU press release. \nJeanetta Nelms, director of the IU Bloomington scholars, said in order for students to maintain the scholarship, they must live in the state of Indiana, maintain a grade point average of at least a 2.0 and submit an error-proof FAFSA each year. . A student may not receive their scholarship funds for a semester if all of the above are not done. \n“The scholars go through the same admissions process as everyone else on campus,” Nelms said. “Just because the student is a 21st Century Scholar does not mean they will be granted admission into the school.” \nMany of the scholarship students belong to other campus organizations such as the Hutton Honors College, Hudson and Holland scholars program and Groups Student Support Services. According to a pamphlet about the program, the Hudson and Holland scholars program coordinates IU’s efforts to foster the benefits of educational diversity. \nKenyana Williams, a junior and 21st Century Scholar and member of the Hudson and Holland scholars program, said she feels safe with this scholarship, even though she has other grants. \n“What the other grants don’t cover, the 21st Century program will,” Williams said. \nGroups Student Support Services allows between 250 to 300 students the opportunity for academic enhancement and a chance to get acclimated to campus. The program began in 1968 to provide students with a way to gain access to higher education. \nNelms added that many of the scholars serve as volunteers and do community service for organizations such as Big Brothers, Big Sisters. She also said that the program provides sponsorships for the scholars who cannot afford to attend cultural events on campus. She said she serves as an adviser to many students, and as a surrogate parents for others. Her main job is to make sure that students are aware of the resources that are available on campus and to encourage them to feel like they belong. \n“This program has paved a way for my children to pursue higher education in their future,” Burris said. “I’m breaking generational barriers for my family and the 21st Century Scholar program has helped me to that.”