GROUPS Scholars Program

Your Future Starts Here

Are you a first-generation college student dreaming of a brighter future?

The Groups Scholars Program at IU Columbus is here to make that dream a reality.

This exciting initiative is designed to support your journey from day one with a powerful mix of academic, financial, and social resources—all tailored to help you succeed, graduate, and thrive.

A fully-funded summer experience that prepares you for college life

Mentorship and support from Peer and Success Coaches

Covered tuition and book fees for your summer program

And four years of continued guidance to keep you connected and empowered

The Groups Scholars Program gives you the confidence, tools, and community you need to achieve your goals—and earn your bachelor’s degree at IU Columbus.

Ready to take the next step? Contact us! coadmissions@iu.edu | 812-348-7390

Important Dates

Application opens: September 1

Application deadline: February 28

Students notified of application decision: March 31

Program begins: Summer Session 2

Why be a Groups Scholar at IU Columbus?

The community at IU Columbus is uniquely equipped to understand and support the needs of first-generation students.

Approximately 33% of IU Columbus undergraduates identify as first-generation students.
An estimated 80% of undergraduate students balance their studies with full- or part-time employment.
Small class sizes provide the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with other students and faculty.

Must be a resident of Indiana who can commute to programming

Must qualify as a first-year first-generation student.

Are U.S. citizens, or an eligible non-citizen (i.e., has a green card)

Must have graduated high school with a 2.5 GPA or higher.

Must be a recent graduate, having completed your high school education Spring of 2026

Must file the FASFA – deadline April 15

How to apply:

Step 1: Complete the IU Application. Please contact our admissions office with any questions.

Step 2: Once you have submitted your IU Application, please complete the IU Columbus Groups Scholars Application.

Step 3: A recommender completes the attestation form.

Step 4: Students will be contacted after all materials have been reviewed.

Recommender

The IU Columbus Groups Scholars Program accepts recommendations from teachers, counselors, local community leaders, mentors, employers, supervisors, 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 have a recommender complete an Attest form.

Meet Your Student Success Coach

ScholarSupport is a program developed to advise and assist students with navigating their way through college. From start to finish we provide academic support, encourage personal development, increase financial literacy, promote career development, and so much more.

Austin Newberry

Student Success Coach

Email:: anewber@iu.edu

GROUPS Scholars Program

Your Future Starts Here

Important Dates

Why be a Groups Scholar at IU Columbus?

How to apply:

Recommender

Meet Your Student Success Coach

Services

Find

Library

Resources

Email

Clery Act Information

GROUPS Scholars Program

Your Future Starts Here

Important Dates

Why be a Groups Scholar at IU Columbus?

Eligibility Requirements

How to apply:

Recommender

Meet Your Student Success Coach

Contact, Address and Additional Links

Services

Find

Library

Resources

Email

Clery Act Information