Problem: As with the HOPE Lottery Scholarship, many states are attempting efforts to support more students gaining access to higher education. Just as state and federal funds, these lottery funds are not plentiful and cannot continually meet the needs of those for whom that seek the enriching opportunity of a college education. Due to the rapid depletion of these funds, many states are considering measures by which to reduce the award amounts and inadvertently blocking access to many low income and first generation students (Locker, 2011).
Indiana has progressively moved over the past 20 years toward efforts to improve college participation, as well as, the high school graduation rates among low income and first generation students. These improvement efforts are enhanced by the states willingness to not only prepare these students for college, but also pay their way to go.
Much like the Hope Scholarship opportunity in Tennessee, Indiana’s 21st Century Scholars Program affords low-income middle school students (using criteria based on whether they qualify for the free and reduced-price lunch program) sign a pledge and also get a financial commitment from the state (Ginn, 2011).
In order to receive the financial support, upon graduation these students must have 2.5 grade point average or greater, not use illegal drugs or alcohol, not commit a crime, apply for financial aid on time, and apply for admission to an eligible Indiana college or university (Ginn, 2011). Just as with the HOPE Lottery Scholarship, Indiana had to change its criteria this year from a 2.0 to 2.5 grade point average as the funds for this program were being depleted faster than they could be replenished.
Solution: As spotlighted by the National Association of State Student Grant and Aid Programs, Illinois is one of 10 states that combined provide nearly 75% of all need based student aid nationally. Alone, Illinois is a leader in providing need-based aid to students. In 2009-2010 academic year, the state provided almost $400 million in need based aid, an increase of almost 18 percent over the past decade. Despite the increase, Illinois Republican Representative, Robert Pritchard believes it is still not enough to cover higher college costs (Ginn, 2011).
In Indiana, 21st Century Scholars Program participants (once enrolled in college) are provided mentoring and support to help them succeed and graduate on time. Due to intricate details of this program, as well as, its success rate it has gain the attention of Illinois. In addition to its commitment to provide need based financial aid, Illinois lawmakers recently passed a bill that sets up a similar college planning program for low income and first generation college students.
The Illinois program will offer the same services as 21st Century Scholars, but while it will help students learn about and apply for college and financial aid programs, it does not guarantee tuition assistance (Ginn, 2011). Such an effort ensures more students the opportunity to attend college, without placing an additional burden on the state to supply funds that may diminish faster than participants can gain access.
References:
21st Century Scholars Program: http://www.in.gov/ssaci/2345.htm
Ginn, G. 2011. Rising Tuition and Fees, Stagnant Incomes Add Up to Increased Reliance on State Grant Aid. Retrieved from: http://www.csgmidwest.org/policyresearch/0911studentaid.aspx
Locker, R. 2011. Proposal calls for cutting in half Tennessee lottery scholarships for some students. Retrieved from http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2011/oct/26/proposal-calls-cutting-half-lottery-scholarships-s/
