Commencing in the summer of 2025, Indiana University Indianapolis will roll out the Groups Scholars Program, infusing the campus with a support structure for first-generation and low-income students aiming to navigate college life. Originally developed at IU Bloomington in 1968, the program's expansion to Indianapolis marks a strategic extension of a support system that seeks to bolster student success and retention.
In a move to enhance access to higher education, incoming freshmen will be greeted with a six-week summer program offering an array of resources. Despite the fact that they may face added challenges, the Groups Scholars initiative provides first-generation college students with introductory classes fostering both academic preparedness and community ties. Mirror Indy reports that beyond classroom instruction, participants will gain exposure to career pathways and essential support services, equipping them with the means to thrive within academia.
While it is historically evident that first-generation students often contend with obstacles to graduation, as noted by the Pew Research Center, IU Indianapolis aims to redress this through comprehensive aid. Counseling, tutoring, and career advising embody the practical measures that Groups Scholars propounds. "Students will always be our north star, and with the Groups Program on campus, or what I call Groups in the City, we have another way to become a lifeline for our students," Latha Ramchand, IU Indianapolis chancellor, told IU News.
For many of our students, we’re their support away from home," Williams explained how the Groups Scholars Program assists students beyond the academics, providing a much-needed support network validating his involvement to WISH-TV.
Indiana University Indianapolis anticipates the arrival of its inaugural class in June 2025, with expectations to admit between 80 to 100 scholars. Aligning with several existing campus programs, Groups Scholars is yet another step that IU takes toward equitable access and the demystification of the collegiate experience for those who are first in their families to pursue higher education. Details about the IU Indianapolis program and eligibility requirements, as well as further information about the Groups Scholars initiatives on other campuses, can be found by contacting [email protected] or visiting their respective websites.
