Groups Scholars Program

Empowering Students for Success

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

Groups Scholars is a selective, long-standing scholarship program that originated at IU Bloomington in 1968. The program fosters a strong system of wrap-around support by helping students adjust to college life while also building vital connections to campus resources, peers, faculty, and staff. Groups Scholars was expanded to regional campuses in 2023 to increase college attendance and retention among income eligible and first-generation students at Indiana University East. 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.

Students who are 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 Groups program. After completing the six-week summer bridge 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 – it will continue to be provided by instructors, program directors, advisors, and fellow Groups students until cohort members graduate from IU East. Students also have the option of looping with their cohort members for their required First Year Seminar course to continue their journey together for the fall semester.

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

Program Features:

  • 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 

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.

Clayre Rader Groups Scholars Student

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the Groups Scholars programs students must meet the following requirements:

The Groups Scholars program was created to increase college attendance among first-generation and income eligible students.

Students in region (Indiana or Ohio reciprocity counties) who meet 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
  • Minimum cumulative High School GPA of at least 2.3

Questions? Contact us at eagroups@iu.edu  or reach out to Michelle Holliday at 765-973-8545.

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.