21st Century Scholars 30th Anniversary

Charlee Beasor, Communications Director

October 10, 2019

What is 21st Century Scholars?

• Started in 1990, 21st Century Scholars is the state’s early college promise program and is a nationally-recognized model for early college promise programs

• The program offers income-eligible Hoosiers up to four years of paid tuition at a participating Indiana college or university

• Students apply in seventh or eighth grade

Why is the program successful?

• The 21st Century Scholars program was not designed to be just a scholarship program

• Clear expectations are set to help prepare high school students for success beyond high school

• The Scholars Success Program helps Scholars complete key college-readiness activities and stay on track to earn their degree

Why is the program important?

• Education and training beyond high school is essential for the 21st century workforce

• We must ensure that college is an affordable option for all Hoosiers

• The Commission resolved to close the state’s educational achievement gaps by 2025; but there is more work to be done to accomplish that goal

Impact of 21st Century Scholars

Results from 2019 Equity Report

21st Century Scholars are the only group on track to close the achievement gap by 2025

Compared to their low-income peers, Scholars are:

– Access: More than twice as likely to go to college

– Readiness: Less likely to need remediation

– Persistence: More likely to persist to the second year

– Success: More likely to earn all credits attempted

– Retention: Most likely to stay in Indiana for college

Results from 2019 Equity Report

21st Century Scholars are enrolling in college 86 percent of the time.That is greater than the college-going rates of:• Low-income peers (39 percent)• Statewide average (63 percent)• Higher-income peers (68 percent)

21st Century Scholars is as close as we’ve come in Indiana to solving the most pressing issues around educational equity

Impact of 21st Century Scholars

• As of June 2019, more than 93,000 students have used the 21st Century Scholarship

• Over 36,000 students have earned a college degree with a 21st Century Scholarship

• Nearly 100,000 students are enrolled in the program today

30th Anniversary Plans

A year of celebration (and beyond)

• Continuing the positive momentum of the past 30 years, the Commission for Higher Education is embarking on a year of celebration

• We are proud of the results of the 21st Century Scholars program and the Scholars Success Program. We must make the case that this program should continue to be funded

Scholar alumni are engaged

• We’ve had more than 300 responses from Scholar alumni when asking for testimonials or videos in support of the program

• These are the people that have been directly impacted by 21st Century Scholars and they are excited to be involved

“Scholars say…”

“Scholars say…”

Plans for 2020

Scholars Day on February 11, 2020

• We are inviting Scholar alumni to meet with legislators

• Resolutions and proclamations: House, Senate and Governor’s office

• The North Atrium of the Statehouse will be Scholars Day “central”

• State of Higher Education address will follow

Plans for 2020

Mid-year celebration gala in June

• Culminating around graduation time

• Main audience for this event is Scholar alumni, key stakeholders, community partners, participating colleges and universities

• Looking to make a big splash and a bigger impact

• Panel with distinguished Scholar alumni, moderated by the Commissioner

Plans for 2020

Student Advocates Conference 2020

• Similar to the 25th anniversary recognition for the 21st Century Scholars program

• Will wrap into the existing event

• Serve as an end-of-the-year celebration and call to action for the future

• Audience is similar to those that will be supporting the program in other capacities for years to come

Communications for 2020 and beyond

21st Century Scholars video

• We’re going to create a promotional video to share at the events and throughout the year on our web sites, through social media, etc.

21st Century Scholars magazine

• We’re going to create a magazine with in-depth stories, photo packages, codes linking to our online digital content and more

Media strategy

• Press release announcing 30th anniversary in January

• Pitch to statewide media throughout the year

• Connect with state/national education bloggers, and national education organizations, including engaging on their podcasts and other forms of media

• Pitch to budding journalists at Indiana colleges

• Connect with university communications teams

Social media

Our digital strategy is centered on social media:

• We will create new graphics, cover and profile photos and logos highlighting the 30th anniversary

• Share video stories that are submitted by Scholar alumni on social media, web site, blogs, etc.

• Engage with Scholar alumni and encourage them to engage with current Scholars

• Dedicated hashtag: #ScholarsTurns30

Branding for 30th anniversary

• 30th anniversary logo added to all assets

• Build media toolkits for statewide partners

Feedback

• We are working across departments at the Commission to gather feedback and ideas of how we can incorporate the 30th anniversary celebration throughout the Commission

• We also want to know your feedback or answer your questions about the program or these plans

QUESTIONS?