The 21st Century Scholars Program covers two-year or four-year in-state college tuition for eligible students. However, less than 50% of eligible students actually enrolled in the program. Due to House Bill 1449, moving forward, eligible students will automatically be enrolled.

Enrollment helps with college tuition. Students, however, must do the work to gain acceptance to an Indiana university and complete the coursework needed to graduate. 

The Starfish Initiative supports students in the 21st Century Scholars Program. Starfish Initiative is a college/career readiness one-on-one mentorship program serving Indy’s high school students.  

Program mentors receive training and resources to ensure they are the best coaches for high school students.

In a testimonial video, Karami Burton said, “I got more opportunity. I got support through high school and college.” 

Adults looking for mentoring opportunities through the Starfish Initiative can fill out an interest form at https://starfishinitiative.org/why-mentor/ or contact Hope Munn, MSW, Volunteer Recruitment Specialist, Starfish Initiative, at hope@starfishiniative.org.