Succeed with the Groups Scholars Program

Navigating college can be challenging, but you won’t have to do it alone. As a Groups Scholar, your journey begins with the fully funded 7-week summer experience, which prepares you for the start of fall classes and connects you with resources, mentors, and a community that will support you throughout your undergraduate career at IU Indianapolis.

IU Indianapolis Groups Scholars will:

• Take 6-7 credit hours toward their degree
• Live in a residential community on campus
• Receive a $2,000 stipend for additional expenses or lost income
• Have access to campus, including recreation facilities
• Participate in co-curricular activities to connect to campus and the Indianapolis community

Tuition, fees, housing, and meals are completely covered, and there are no costs to participate in the summer experience portion of the Groups program.

The IU Indianapolis Groups Scholars Program focuses on creating opportunities and delivering support for first-generation and underrepresented students.

You must meet at least one of the following requirements:

• First-generation student (your parents never graduated with bachelor’s degree)
• Low-income (see current guidelines)
• Documented disability

You must meet all of the following requirements:

• Are residents of Indiana (at least one of the applicant’s parents or legal guardians must live in Indiana)
• Have a minimum cumulative high school GPA of at least 2.5
• Be admitted and/or meet the minimum college preparatory courses required for admission into IU Indianapolis
• File the FAFSA
• Be recommended by a Groups Recommender

Your experience as a Groups Scholar extends well beyond the summer experience, offering you continued benefits including

• Individualized Advising and Career Coaching
• Peer Mentoring and Academic Coaches
• Financial Aid Counseling
• Community and Social Programming

As a Groups participant, you are eligible for a number of federal and institutional grants and scholarship awards that are based on financial eligibility and student participation status.

These awards include:

• Annual Participation Grant — approximately $1,000
• Barbara Browning Scholarship — approximately $2,000
• TRIO Supplemental Grant — approximately $1,000-$2000
• Housing Stipend— approximately $3,500

All awards are based on financial eligibility.

The IU Indianapolis Groups Scholars Program uses a network of teachers, counselors, local community leaders, mentors, and ministers throughout Indiana to help identify students who demonstrate promise and a commitment to succeed with the support of this program. All applications must start with a recommendation. 

Interested students can find recommenders in their area online. If they do not see their school or city represented, contact the Groups Scholars Program, and we will share information on how to get involved.