IU East Groups Scholars

Empowering Students for Success

The application is open for the 2025-2026 academic year. Apply now!

The Groups Scholars program was created to increase college attendance and retention among income eligible and first-generation students at Indiana University East. The program fosters a strong system of wrap-around support by helping students with socioeconomic barriers adjust to college life while also building vital connections to campus resources, peers, faculty, and staff. By providing a blend of financial, academic, and social support, this program helps students navigate through college with the goal of earning a bachelor’s degree from IU East.

Learn More About the Groups Scholars Program!

Students accepted into the Groups Scholars program will take two courses during Summer Session II (meeting three days weekly for a total of six weeks). Tuition and book fees for these courses will be covered upon a student’s acceptance into the program. After completing the program, participants will receive two $500 scholarships toward both their fall 2025 and spring 2026 tuition as well as one $250 book voucher. Interactions and support do not end after the summer courses – these will continue to be provided by instructors, program directors, advisors, and fellow Groups students from the first semester at IU East through graduation. Groups students also have the option of looping with their cohort members for their required First Year Seminar course to continue their journey together for their first fall semester on campus.

If accepted into the IU East Groups program, students agree to:

  • Attend one of the scheduled Groups Scholars Orientation and Information Sessions.
  • Enroll in two summer courses (total of four credits) at IU East.
  • Maintain a 2.3 minimum cumulative GPA.
  • Meet one-on-one with the Groups Scholars Coordinator prior to Friday, July 11th.
  • Attend required summer class meetings. Sessions will occur 9 AM-12 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays and 9 AM-3 PM on Wednesdays, beginning July 8th and ending on August 14th.
  • Starting in the fall, attend at least two monthly Groups events each semester.
  • Abide by the Indiana University Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Conduct.
  • Complete FASFA forms by Friday, May 30th. 

  • Academic support and guidance for a smoother transition into college life
  • Networking opportunities with peers, faculty, and staff
  • Resources to foster academic, personal, and professional growth
  • Development of leadership and teamwork skills
  • Opportunities to visit local restaurants and unique area hotspots
  • Field trips and networking opportunities with local employers and tours of their facilities
  • Connections with other new students at IU East within a cohort of 20 members 

Students must be a United States citizen or eligible non-citizen (has a Green card) and a resident of the state of Indiana (or living in the region of Ohio reciprocity counties) who maintains a minimum cumulative high school GPA of 2.3 and meets any of the following criteria are invited to apply:

  • First-generation college student
  • Income eligible (Frank O’Bannon or Pell Grant recipient)
  • 21st Century Scholar
  • Students with socioeconomic barriers

Six-Week Summer Bridge Program Incentives:

  • Two free courses (four credits total) to kickstart the college career
  • Free field trips to local venues
  • IU East Groups Scholars swag bags & free attire
  • $250 book voucher
  • $1,000 scholarship
Student Clayre Rader.

The Groups Scholars program is a great way to get your foot in the door, make connections, save money, make friends, and start off your college career at IU East. I really enjoyed the experience and highly recommend it.

Groups Scholars Student Clayre Rader

Seek New Experiences

Four students sitting at a table making a peace sign.
Two students sitting at a table reading a book.
Five students sitting outside at a table talking.

How to Apply

Thanks for your interest in being a part of the Groups Scholars program. Apply now to be a part of a unique program that puts students first and will be with you from the start of your application to graduation if accepted. Use the following step-by-step instructions to complete your application to the Groups Scholars summer program. Candidates must commit to attending in-person sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays (9 a.m.- 12 p.m.) and Wednesdays (9 a.m.-3 p.m.) from July 8th-August 14th.

Application deadline for the 2025-2026 academic year is June 16, 2025.

Steps to Apply

Step one

Apply to IU

Step two

Complete the FAFSA: IU East's code is 001811

Step three

Complete Group Scholars Application

WCTV IN Focus

Learn more about the Groups Scholars program at Indiana University.

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