For more than 30 years, Indiana’s 21st Century Scholars Program has been leading the way to help low-income students attend and graduate from college. This support is making a difference. Nearly 1 out of 5 undergraduate students enroll in the program, with more than 3,000 scholars at one time calling the campus their home.
Now, a partnership with the Paul H. O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University Bloomington is furthering the impact of the program by admitting alumni of Indiana University Bloomington's 21st Century Scholars Program to the O’Neill School’s master’s degree programs.
“A central role of the 21st Century Scholars Program is supporting scholars throughout their college experience,” says James C. Wimbush, Indiana University’s vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion and Johnson Chair for Diversity and Leadership. “Collaborating with the O’Neill School extends this commitment and provides an important opportunity for 21st Century Scholar participants and alumni to further their academic journey.”
Vincent Isom, director of the 21st Century Scholars Program at Indiana University Bloomington, agrees, adding, “Learners today will enter an increasingly complex and constantly changing workplace. The 21st Century Scholars Program works to equip them with the skills and support they need to grow and thrive during their time at IU and long after they graduate. This partnership continues that support, offering eligible scholars access to nine graduate programs and specialty areas on the IU campus.”
As part of the partnership, eligible alumni will receive the 21st Century Scholar O’Neill Fellowship Award, which equals a 25 percent reduction in the cost of tuition. This fellowship award is guaranteed for the duration required to complete a degree. In addition, program application fees will be waived for participants.
The Paul H. O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University Bloomington offers many top-ranked undergraduate, graduate and Ph.D. level public affairs and environmental degree options. Seventeen Indiana University graduate programs and specialty areas are ranked among the nation’s top 10, with 37 ranked in the top 25, according to the 2023-24 U.S. News and World Report Best Graduate School rankings. And, for the sixth time in seven years, the O'Neill School earned a No. 1 ranking among public affairs graduate programs.
“The O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs has consistently been recognized on a national level for its groundbreaking work over the years,” notes Siân Mooney, dean of the O’Neill School. “Our focus on excellence and preparing new generations of students to become leaders across the globe is what truly sets us apart. That’s why we are so pleased to be part of this new collaboration with the 21st Century Scholars Program.”