Cash for college bound

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Kathy Spicer from the Indiana University Northwest Office of Admissions talks about the admissions process during the Cash for College event sponsored by the Twenty-first Century Scholars Program at IUN in Gary, Ind. | Jeffrey D. Nicholls~Sun-Times Media

As the parent of two daughters looking to complete a college education, Stephen Daniel of Gary is interested in any and all programs that lend a financial hand.

This was his motivation to attend the recent Cash for College presentation at Indiana University Northwest.

“It’s great that there are so many organizations that want to assist us in helping to expand our children’s education,” he said as he read the evening’s agenda. “As parents, we will appreciate this.”

The event was co-sponsored by Twenty-first Century Scholars, College Choice, Indiana University Northwest and Ivy Tech.

In the audience with Daniel was his daughter Maegan Daniel, 20, who attends Indiana University.

Her sister Tyronda Bandy, 16, attends the 21st Century Charter School in Gary and plans to study veterinary medicine after graduation.

“I’m in the Twenty-first Century Scholars Program,” Bandy said. “I signed the pledge when I was in seventh grade, and it may be challenging, you just never know. But I’m definitely going to try my best.”

Dad is confident his daughter will keep up her end of the program’s pledge, which states that students in grades 7-12 must abstain from alcohol and drugs and keep a 2.5 grade point average based on a 4.0 scale, among other dictates.

The state of Indiana’s Twenty-first Century Scholars started in 1990. It ensures students who join in seventh or eighth grade and adhere to all the programs requirements will be able to afford four years of college.

“I love this Twenty-first Century program,” Daniel added. “It’s a tremendous help for families.”

During the evening, there also was much information for those families that do not have students in the program.

Debra McBride of Ivy Tech’s Financial Aid Office and Carolyn Lewis of IUN’s Financial Aid Office each made presentations.

“One of the biggest things we see are parents not knowing what questions to ask,” Lewis said. “The mound of paperwork can be challenging, but help is out there.”

Regarding research and the college experience, there also is myriad ways parents can prepare.

“Families need to know there are resources for them to send their children to college,” said Konya Sledge, site student coordinator for the Twenty-first Century Scholars program. “And also to view their graduation debt-free. It’s possible through scholarships and grants.”

Also attending the recent information session were parents Manuel and Yolanda Carrillo of Hobart.

The couple’s 13-year-old twin daughters will be college bound in a few years and preparations are starting now. Both middle school girls have signed up for the Twenty-first Century Scholars program.

“I believe in helping my kids to keep their grades up, and this program is doing the same,” Manuel said. “Assistance with financial aid is taking the pressure off me. I won’t need to put in extra hours at work.”