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Spring 2021
Lifting up Local Scholars

Lifting up Local Scholars

Lilly grant increases support for 21st Century Scholar Success

A recent $4 million Lilly Endowment Grant will enhance support for IU South Bend 21st Century Scholars thanks to the university’s partnership with the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County. The grant will boost the 21st Century Scholar Success Initiative, an effort to dramatically increase the number of local low-income students who achieve well-paying jobs in our region by completing post-secondary degrees through Indiana’s 21st Century Scholars program.

In eighth grade, students sign a pledge that guarantees a grant to cover the cost of four years of college tuition at any public college in Indiana if they fulfill the pledge requirements. “For the 21st Century Scholar program to be successful, we need to be with these students from eighth grade until they finish college,” said Interim Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Douglas McMillen. Therefore, the 21st Century Scholar Success Coalition brought together 24 entities that are working in concert to help these students finish the requirements from grades 8-12.

“IU South Bend is thrilled to be a part of this coalition aiming to increase access to higher education for local students and families,” said Chancellor Susan Elrod, one of the founding members of the 21st Century Scholar Success Coalition. “As this region’s public university, IUSB’s mission is to support anyone who wants to pursue higher education. This funding will help us provide greater support for these students so they can receive a college degree and pursue their passions.”

IU South Bend will work closely with the Community Foundation and other collaborating partners on a three-year project. The funding allows for staffing of an additional success coach to provide outreach and support services to all IUSB 21st Century Scholars.

McMillen noted that IU South Bend’s current initiatives to support low-income student success have led to improved retention and graduation rates for students with Pell Grants in the last decade. IU South Bend currently enrolls more than 350 21st Century Scholars. To further enhance initiatives already in place, two success coaches will provide dedicated advising for IUSB 21st Century Scholars and implement and coordinate other aspects of a comprehensive program, including:

Summer Jump Start Bridge Program

21st Century Scholars will be invited to participate in a special one-week program with a variety of academic, career planning, and social activities designed to foster their sense of belonging. 21st Century Scholars will learn the campus, meet their advisors and coaches, develop social contacts, and gain other student success skills.

First Year Seminars

First year scholars join with their 21st Century Scholar peers in cohortbased sections of the First Year Seminars, which help students learn a variety of student success skills from writing research papers to using the library and exploring career options. Additionally, scholars will take part in IU’s MoneySmarts U financial literacy program, special career assessment counseling and services, peer and alumni/ community mentoring, and distinct cultural, social, and academic activities. Scholars will also be able to take advantage of existing IU South Bend programs such as living in River Crossing residence halls and access to summer On-Track scholarships to support scholars during summer school.

It’s a win-win for students, their families, and our communities. “Data shows that students who complete the 21st Century Scholar program are on track to close the achievement gap between them and their more affluent peers by 2025,” said McMillen. “Degree completion and student success for 21st Century Scholars is good for the long-term health of our community. About 65 percent of IU South Bend graduates stay in the area to work, raise a family, and improve the quality of life in the community.”

Kevin Lopez, Sophomore, Dental Hygiene

When 21st Century Scholar Kevin Lopez graduated from Washington High School, he knew he wanted to be a dental hygienist. His first exposure to the dental field came in the sixth grade, when he wore braces on his teeth. “I liked the work they did,” he said. In his junior and senior years in high school he explored the field further in career and technical education classes.

When it came time to choose a college, the 21st Century Scholar chose IU South Bend.

His high school counselor encouraged him to apply to IU South Bend’s Summer Leadership Academy. Participants receive a scholarship that pays 100 percent of the tuition and required fees for two elective college courses. In exchange, students are required to attend classes four days a week from June to August. “Research shows that creating initiatives centered on student engagement is the key to success,” said Cynthia Murphy, recruitment retention counselor.

“When a student develops a relationship with faculty, staff, and other students, they are more likely to feel connected to the campus and seek assistance when they need it.”

“I was nervous at first,” said Lopez, “It really smoothed the transition to college for me.” It not only helped him academically, but it also helped him learn his way around the campus and how to interact with students and faculty. “I was more comfortable in the fall when classes started," he explained.

Lopez, like many IU South Bend students, is the first in his family to go to college. “I like that IU South Bend is a small college and has small classes, so I can interact easily with my professors,” he shared.

Lopez’s 21st Century Scholarship makes it possible for him to pursue his path in higher education. “I’m not sure where I’ll work yet, but I’m looking forward to a career in dental hygiene.”

Natasha Lantz, ’16 BSW, Social Work; ’19 MSW, Social Work

Natasha Lantz spent a lot of time at the Boys and Girls Club of Middlebury when she was in high school. In fact, she won Boys and Girls Club State Youth of the Year in 2012.

While she planned to be a hospital social worker after she graduated from IU South Bend, it was hard to turn down the opportunity to be the area director of the Boys and Girls Club of Middlebury. Recently, she transitioned from area director to youth behavior specialist at the agency. “It’s a lateral move, but I’ll be working one-on-one with the kids and their families,” she said. “I’m looking forward to being the social worker for the Boys and Girls Club of Middlebury.”

Lantz’s mother died when she was 12 years old. Her mother’s death led to Lantz and her two sisters moving from Elkhart to Middlebury to live with their aunt and uncle. “Before my mom died, I struggled with education,” she said. “After she died, I managed my grief by pouring myself into education.”

Her senior year in high school, Lantz chose IU South Bend after visiting several colleges. “I loved IU South Bend,” she said. “When I visited campus it felt like home. I knew it was where I needed to go. I wanted to use my 21st Century Scholarship in the best way.”

At IU South Bend, she worked as a student professional in Career Services and served as a peer mentor in the Leadership Academy and the Relay Program in Student Services. She also served as the vice-president and treasurer of the Social Work Student Association and was a founding committee member and volunteer at the IU South Bend Food Pantry. “These experiences taught me how to work with people,” she said.

“The Career Center and Student Services were like a second family to me,” she said. “They really had a big impact on me and my success at IU South Bend and in my career.”

Lantz, who attended IU South Bend as a 21st Century Scholar, attributes much of her success in college and her career to working as a student professional in Career Services under the tutelage of Director of Career Services Kim Moore and serving as a peer mentor in Student Services. “It really helped me get plugged in on campus and prepared me for success in my career,” she said.

Lifting up Local Scholars