Benton County College Success Coalition

Established in late 2012, the Coalition is a group of over 30 local organizations that are committed to helping our families plan, prepare, and pay for post-secondary success. As part of a statewide initiative to increase college attainment rates, the Coalition has five primary focus areas:

The Coalition’s Five Focuses

1. FAFSA (Federal Application for Federal Student Aid) Completion
   
   • FAFSA allows students in Benton County to become eligible for scholarships, grants, and loans to assist the costs of paying for college.
   • The Foundation typically hosts a FAFSA Day at Benton Central High School in the Fall. The event is open to all Benton County residents who will be attending college the following year. A representative from Heavin College provides assistance and answers questions for families filing the FAFSA.
2. 21st Century Scholar Enrollment/Success
   
   • The 21st Century Scholars Program offers income-eligible families four years of in-state college tuition for students.
   • Students are enrolled in the program in junior high if they meet the eligibility criteria. Students complete a activities throughout high school and college to ensure their success.
   • The Coalition works closely with the counseling staff at Benton Central to provide assistance to the 21st Century Scholar students.
3. Increased awareness of high quality certificate programs offered near our community.
4. Connecting families to resources to prepare for college success.
   
   • Learn More Indiana
   • Trip to College
5. Encourage families to save for college and utilize tax-advantaged tools like the College Choice 529 plans
   
   • College Choice 529 Direct Savings Plan
     
     • Many of our local financial institutions also offer great tools for college savings!
     • Families who reside in Benton County may enroll in Promise Indiana – Benton to receive community incentives for their child’s college savings account. Enroll now: https://promiseindiana.iyi.org/benton/

Coalition Mini-Grants

Registered members are eligible to apply for mini-grants, of up to $250, to support college success activities.

• Grant Guidelines
• Grant Application

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