New Partnership Rewards Schools for Promoting College Readiness among Low-income Middle School Students in Hamilton County

Twenty-first Century Scholars (TFCS) Program has partnered with Legacy Fund Community Foundation to launch a pilot TFCS Enrollment Challenge program in Hamilton County. The goal of this new initiative is to increase TFCS enrollment county-wide. The TFCS program is an early-promise scholarship and college readiness program that has successfully increased the percentage of low-income Indiana students that actually enroll in a college or university upon graduating from high school. To help promote college readiness, the TFCS Enrollment Challenge will reward lead school representatives that enroll at least 75% of 7th graders and at least 90% of 8th graders into the Scholar program before the June 30th deadline. Successful schools and lead representatives will be publicly recognized for reaching and/or exceeding program enrollment goals. In addition, lead school representatives will be honored with a Simon gift card valued between $300 -$500 for meeting 2012 TFCS Enrollment Challenge goals. Additional educational awards will be provided to each school that achieves 90% or higher 7th or 8th grade enrollment.

ABOUT TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY SCHOLAR PROGRAM

The Twenty-first Century Scholars program, established in 1990 by the State of Indiana, encourages low-income middle school students to prepare for post-secondary opportunities. In exchange for academic and civic accomplishments during high school, enrolled students receive post-secondary tuition assistance to attend any public college or university in the State of Indiana.

Parents or guardians must enroll their child(ren) between 7th and 8th grades to qualify to receive the Twenty-first Century Scholarship. Students are also required to sign a pledge that promises they will: (1) graduate from an accredited Indiana high school with a diploma and at least a 2.5 cumulative grade point average, (2) abstain from the use of alcohol, drugs or committing a crime, (3) apply for college admissions, and (4) complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form on-time. For more information, contact Amy Parraga, at 765.455.9533 or AParraga@ssaci.IN.gov

ABOUT LEGACY FUND

Legacy Fund, an affiliate of the Central Indiana Community Foundation (CICF), serves Hamilton County by administering charitable funds, foundations and organizational endowments for individuals, families and not-for-profit entities. Established in 1991, Legacy Fund's goal is to inspire philanthropy as it helps people enhance their family and charitable legacies in tax-smart ways. Legacy Fund has three main priorities: consult with donors, family foundations and professional advisors on charitable giving; award grants; and provide leadership to address community needs. For more information, contact Terry Anker, President, or Mark Robbins, Vice President, at 317.843.2479 (office) or: