The 21st Century Scholars Program began in 1990 as Indiana's way of raising the educational aspirations of low and moderate-income families. The program aims to ensure that all Indiana families can afford a college education for their children.

Income-eligible 7th and 8th graders that enroll in the program and fulfill a pledge of good citizenship to the state are guaranteed the cost of four years of college tuition at any participating public college or university in Indiana. If the student attends a private institution, the state will award an amount comparable to that of a public institution. If the student attends a participating proprietary school, the state will award a tuition scholarship equal to that of Ivy Tech State College.  

Ball State University is very committed to increasing the college going rate of the 21st Century Scholars by providing an array of services and programs that reinforce skills necessary for admission to college.