21st Century Scholars: Holistic coaching supported Indiana scholarship recipients to stay on track to completion
The Opportunity
The Indiana Commission of Higher Education (ICHE) aimed to reduce inequities in retention and graduation rates by providing paid college tuition through the 21st Century Scholarship Program, geared toward aspiring degree seekers whose families met income eligibility requirements. However, when the program fell short of expectations, it became evident that a comprehensive approach to support — beyond financial incentives — was needed to reduce the systemic barriers that learners face along their educational journey.
The Opportunity
The Indiana Commission of Higher Education (ICHE) aimed to reduce inequities in retention and graduation rates by providing paid college tuition through the 21st Century Scholarship Program, geared toward aspiring degree seekers whose families met income eligibility requirements. However, when the program fell short of expectations, it became evident that a comprehensive approach to support — beyond financial incentives — was needed to reduce the systemic barriers that learners face along their educational journey.
The Solution
The ICHE collaborated with InsideTrack to provide success coaching to all freshmen 21st Century Scholars at five campuses across three school systems. The coaching program was tailored to lean into each learner’s momentum toward graduation by identifying the next steps on their journey and connecting to their motivation. When faced with challenges, coaches supported learners to capitalize on their skills and strengths while ensuring they had access to their college’s resources.
The Solution
The ICHE collaborated with InsideTrack to provide success coaching to all freshmen 21st Century Scholars at five campuses across three school systems. The coaching program was tailored to lean into each learner’s momentum toward graduation by identifying the next steps on their journey and connecting to their motivation. When faced with challenges, coaches supported learners to capitalize on their skills and strengths while ensuring they had access to their college’s resources.
Proven Results
The Impact
The collaboration between the ICHE and InsideTrack fueled retention gains across all five partner institutions. For example, Ivy Tech saw a 34 percent increase in the retention rate for 21st Century Scholars — from a historic average of 36.9 percent to a new high of 49.5 percent. There was also a 77 percent increase in the two-year completion rate for these students, rising from 13 percent to 23 percent.
For these 21st Century Scholars, the stronger likelihood of credential completion means greater economic opportunity and social mobility — opening doors to meaningful employment. Coaching supports students to find and leverage their own strengths to create a brighter future for themselves and their families.
The Impact
The collaboration between the ICHE and InsideTrack fueled retention gains across all five partner institutions. For example, Ivy Tech saw a 34 percent increase in the retention rate for 21st Century Scholars — from a historic average of 36.9 percent to a new high of 49.5 percent. There was also a 77 percent increase in the two-year completion rate for these students, rising from 13 percent to 23 percent.
For these 21st Century Scholars, the stronger likelihood of credential completion means greater economic opportunity and social mobility — opening doors to meaningful employment. Coaching supports students to find and leverage their own strengths to create a brighter future for themselves and their families.
Joshua Powers
Associate Vice President for Student Success at Indiana State University
Learn more about how the collaboration between the Indiana Commission of Higher Education and InsideTrack enhanced degree attainment for 21st Century Scholarship recipients.
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