Indiana seventh and eighth grade students can still apply for the 21st Century Scholars program, but the June 30 deadline is swiftly approaching.

Led by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education, the program is the state’s early college promise that provides up to four years of undergraduate tuition and fees for eligible low-income students at Indiana colleges and universities.

To qualify, students must apply during their seventh or eighth grade year. Most students who qualify for the federal free and reduced lunch guidelines will qualify for the program, but students can only take advantage if they apply before the deadline.

The commission’s 2020 College Readiness Report shows 21st Century Scholars are enrolling in college 86% of the time, compared to the statewide college-going average of 61%. The program also has been shown to close educational achievement gaps for low-income students and students of color.

Students and parents who need help signing up for the program can get virtual assistance at 2 p.m. Thursday and 6 p.m. Monday during Facebook Live events on Learn More Indiana’s Facebook page.

The commission’s outreach staff will be answering questions on the Learn More Indiana social media platforms the day of the events (Instagram: @LearnMoreIndiana and Twitter: @LearnMoreIN) but also are available via phone or email.

Information: scholars.in.gov/enroll