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Groups Scholars Program

Supporting students for success

The Groups Scholars Program was established as a way to increase college attendance among first-generation, underrepresented students attending Indiana University Southeast. The Groups Scholars Program maximizes financial aid, provides academic and social support to selected underrepresented college students from matriculation to graduation and beyond. 

What are the benefits for students?

The IU Southeast Groups Scholars Program offers students four years of holistic support and engagement on campus. Students gain social and academic support by networking with peers, staff, and faculty. Groups Scholars build lasting connections and friendships throughout their undergraduate careers.

Admitted Groups Scholars spend six weeks during the late summer term before their freshman year taking courses in College Writing or Gender Studies and First Year Seminar. This period introduces them to the campus and helps establish a network of social and academic support.

The program pairs incoming Groups Scholar students with a Peer Mentor. These Peer Mentors ease the transition to college and discuss strategies for success in both college and life. The connections built with Peer Mentors instill confidence to engage in university life and offer extensive student support. Students will connect to campus resources and participate in social activities designed to promote academic success and degree completion. Additionally, students will interact with our campus Success Coaches to build time-management, study, goal-setting, and social skills.

Tuition and book fees for Groups Scholars Program summer courses are covered upon a student's acceptance into the program. Qualified students will attend two college classes during the Summer II session, giving them a jump start on their college career.

During the Groups Scholars Summer Institute, students will receive 2 college courses at no cost. Students will either take English and FYS or Gender Studies and FYS.

Students who have completed ENG 131 or equivalent as dual/AP/transfer credit may take Gender Studies, a course that will fullfill the Diversity requirement for your degree.

If ENG 131 reaches capacity, students will automatically be registered for the Gender Studies course.

Personal characteristics also are an important part of being a Groups Scholar. We look for students who demonstrate a positive attitude, a sense of civility, the ability to persevere, a strong motivation to succeed, an excellent attendance record, and a commitment to earn a college degree.

Apply to IU Southeast

Apply for admission to IU Southeast before applying for consideration to the program.

Apply for the Groups Scholars Program

Complete the application to become a candidate for the program.

Academic expectations

Upon acceptance into the IU Southeast Groups Scholars program, students agree to the following four-year commitment of events:

  • Complete FASFA forms by April 15.
  • Meet one-on-one with the Groups Director prior to the Kick-off event.
  • Attend Groups Scholars Kick off on June 27th, 2025.
  • Attend required summer class meetings; ENG 131 meets two days a week; FYS every Friday 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
  • Meet with assigned Academic Advising to schedule courses each semester.
  • Starting in the fall, attend monthly meetings throughout the academic year. (One-on-one meetings or Mentoring events can serve as an alternative if you are unable to attend.)
  • Maintain a mandatory minimum cumulative GPA of at least 2.0.
  • Enrollment into a skills-based coaching class or weekly Success Coach meetings if GPA falls below a 2.5.

Questions? Send an email to segroups@iu.edu.

Application deadline is June 13, 2025
Acceptance emails will be sent out starting May 15, 2025