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South Dearborn Middle School students are eligible to apply for two unique scholarship opportunities:

• Twenty First Century Scholars
• Squires Challenge Scholarship

1.  About the Twenty-First Century Scholars Scholarship

Indiana started the Twenty-First Century Scholars program in 1990 to ensure that every student could afford a college education. Income-eligible 7th and 8th graders who enroll in the program and fulfill a pledge of good citizenship are guaranteed to receive up to four years of undergraduate tuition* at any participating public college or university in Indiana. For students who wish to attend a private or independent institution, the state will award an amount comparable to that of a public institution. If the student attends a participating proprietary (private career) school, the state will award a tuition scholarship equal to that of Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana.

*The scholarship amount may be reduced depending on the availability of funds and the availability of the student's family to contribute to college.

As a Twenty-First Century Scholar, students can get help finding free tutoring, mentors, and even a part-time job, and once the student gets to college, those who are Twenty-First Century Scholars receive support to finish those college degrees.

The goals of the Twenty-First Century Scholars Program are:
  1. Reduce the number of students who withdraw from high school before graduation.
  2. Increase the number of students who are prepared to enter the workforce upon graduation.
  3. Increase the number of students entering post secondary educational institutions in Indiana.
  4. Encourage eligible students to attend post secondary educational institutions in Indiana by reducing the financial burden on the eligible students and their families.
  5. Decrease drug and alcohol abuse by encouraging higher educational pursuits.
  6. Increase individual economic vitality.
  7. Improve the overall quality of life for many Indiana residents.
Seventh and eighth graders qualify and may apply if:
  • A resident of Indiana (determined by the residency of the parent/guardian).
  • A U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.
  • Enrolled in the seventh or eighth grade at a charter school, freeway school, or other Indiana school recognized by the Indiana Department of Education.
  • Fulfill the Twenty-First Century Scholars Pledge.
  • Meet eligibility requirements established by the Program.
Deadlines

Students must apply no later than June 30, after their 8th grade school year.

Application and details available online at: http://www.in.gov/21stcenturyscholars

Also available:
Southeastern Indiana Scholars Regional Support Program @ 1-888-346-5683
Twenty-First Century Scholars Central Office @ 1-888-528-4719
The Learn More Resource Center Hotline @ 1-800-992-2076

For More Information:
Twenty-First Century Scholars
W462 Indiana Government Center South
402 West Washington Street
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Direct: (317) 233-2100
Toll-free: (888) 528-4719

2. Squire Challenge Scholarship

South Dearborn Dollars for Scholars is a non-profit organization providing financial assistance to students seeking two-year and four-year post-secondary educational opportunities. South Dearborn Dollars for Scholars is part of Scholarship America, a national network of community based volunteer directed chapters located throughout the country. Since 1991, our chapter has awarded scholarships totaling more than $535,000 to 652 South Dearborn students pursing a post-secondary education.

South Dearborn Dollars for Scholars Squire Challenge Awards Policy

1. Criteria:
  •  3.0 cumulative GPA for the 8th grade
  • Participation in at least one (1) school activity each trimester in both 7th & 8th grade – sports, club, band, choir, play, newspaper, academic team, etc.
  • Participation in at least one (1) community service activity in both 7th & 8th grade (at least 5 hours per year)
  • Application / Recommendation signed by teacher, SDMS staff member, activity leader, sponsor, etc.
2. The number of SD Squire Challenge Scholarships awarded and the amount of each scholarship certificate will depend on the amount of funds generated during the school year. The Squire Challenge Scholarships are non-competitive – all students who meet the criteria have an equal chance of receiving a scholarship.

3. After completing all the sections to be filled out by you (the student), please give your application to a teacher, SDMS staff member, activity leader or sponsor. They should complete the Applicant Appraisal section and then they will return your application to the South Dearborn Middle School Front Office. The SDMS office will complete the GPA section.

4. Recipients will receive a Scholarship Certificate at the 8th grade Honors Ceremony. Scholarship checks will be issued upon graduation from South Dearborn High School and payable to the college you will be attending if the following criteria are met:
  • Graduate from SDHS with at least a 2.5 GPA
  • Volunteer at least 10 hours of community service per year, each year of high school
  • Continued participation in school activities, community activities (church, 4H, scouts, etc) or after school jobs all 4 years of high school (at least one activity/job per trimester)
  • Be accepted and attend full-time an accredited post-secondary institution.

Here's some MORE "after high school" information:  

"Find Your Own Way:"  Education is the key to your future.  But is traditional, four year college?  Going to one of Indiana's big-name schools is a great choice, but it's not the only way to go.  Choose the path that best for YOU!  Getting a good education doesn't have to mean four years on one campus.  You might be surprised to find out that a two year Associates Degree, or even a one year workforce certificate could help you begin a career in a high-paying field. Choose from in demand fields like nursing, dental hygiene, building construction management or radiation technology -- all "hot" jobs according to the Indiana Department of Workforce Development.  Inf act, in many parts of Indiana, men and women with a recent two year Associates Degree earn more than those who earned a four-year Bachelor's Degree.  With a two year degree from a nearby Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana or on campus at Vincennes University, you can transfer to a four year college or university if you decide to continue your education.  Talk to the school.  Talk to a college counselor and see what the right choice is for YOU!

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