Support from your first day through graduation

Groups Student Support Services (Groups SSS) provides support for every step of your college journey. Whether you need tutoring to get you through a difficult class, assistance in planning your course schedule, help with financial aid, or just some everyday advice, Groups is for you!

Groups SSS is a TRIO program, which means it is supported by the federal government.

As a Groups Scholar, you can receive services from the day you complete your student contract until the day you graduate from IU Indianapolis with your bachelor’s degree.

• Start your IU journey with a fully-funded, seven-week summer experience where you’ll live on campus with peers and take 6-7 credit hours towards your degree
• Receive support throughout your entire IU journey from enrollment to graduation
• Join a tight-knit community to make friends and find support, including free peer tutoring and mentoring
• Attend social and cultural events and excursions
• Take advantage of workshops on topics like academic success, career readiness, and financial literacy
• Get support from a dedicated financial aid counselor

We know that paying for college can be difficult. Therefore, there is no cost to participate in the Groups SSS Program.

Tuition, fees, housing, and meals are provided at no cost during the summer experience. Plus, you’ll receive a $2,000 scholarship for additional expenses or lost income.

As a Groups Scholar, you will also be 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 (for all students who meet program expectations)
• Barbara Browning Scholarship: approximately $2,000
• SSS Supplemental Grant: approximately $1,000–$2,000
• SSS Housing Stipend: approximately $3,500

For more information, please connect with our financial aid counselor, Sam Schwartz, at saschwar@iu.edu.

The IU Indianapolis Groups Scholars Program focuses on creating opportunities and delivering support for first-generation and income eligible students. All applications will be reviewed based on the following criteria as determined by the federal grant.

You must meet at least one of the following requirements:

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

You must meet all of the following requirements:

• Resident of Indiana (at least one of the applicant’s parents or legal guardians must live in Indiana)
• United States citizen or you meet residency requirements for federal student financial aid
• Cumulative high school GPA of 2.5 or higher
• 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

You can apply for the Groups SSS Program before you arrive at IU Indianapolis, whether you’re starting your college journey here or transferring from another campus. Currently enrolled IU Indy students are not eligible to apply.

The summer experience is required for all Groups SSS participants who are starting college. Transfer students are not required and are not eligible to participate in the Groups SSS summer experience.

Transfer students who are interested in applying should email the program at groupsin@iu.edu to request an application.

The IU Indianapolis Groups SSS 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 you do not see your school or city represented, contact the Groups SSS Program, and we will share information on how to get involved.