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Groups Scholars Program

Supporting students for success

The Groups Scholars Program was established to increase college access and success for first-generation students and those from low- and limited-income backgrounds at Indiana University Southeast. The program maximizes financial aid and offers Scholars academic, personal, and social support from admission through graduation and beyond.

What are the benefits for students?

The IU Southeast Groups Scholars Program offers four years of support and engagement on campus. Students benefit socially and academically by connecting with peers, staff, and faculty, creating lasting friendships throughout their undergraduate journey.

Before starting freshman year, admitted Groups Scholars spend six weeks during the late summer term (Summer II) taking courses in College Writing or Social Problems and First Year Seminar (FYS). This helps them immerse in campus life and develop essential college skills.

Peer Coaches in each classroom provide support, encouragement, and guidance, making the transition to college smoother. Additionally, Scholars meet with Success Coaches to develop time-management, study, goal-setting, and social skills.

Tuition and book fees for summer courses are covered once students are accepted into the program.

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 fulfill 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: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 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.
  • 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