A student, or parent or legal guardian on behalf of the student who has been denied enrollment or removed from the 21^st Century Scholars Program, has the right to file an appeal. Appeals are evaluated on a case-by-case basis by an appeals committee. Submission of an appeal does not guarantee a change in the program’s decision.

In general, students appeal for one of the following reasons:

• Late Enrollment: The student’s application was not processed because it was not received before the enrollment year deadline or was incomplete;
• Denied Application: The student’s application was denied because the student was determined to be ineligible to participate;
• Late Affirmation: The student’s affirmation as a high school senior was not processed because it was not received before the enrollment year deadline or was incomplete;
• Pledge Violation: The 21^st Century Scholars Program removed the student from the program after being notified that the student violated the Scholars Pledge;
• Circumstances After High School Graduation: The student failed to enroll in college within one year of high school graduation or faced other circumstances (such as low grades or failing to file the FAFSA) while enrolled in college.
• Other / Hardship: The student is submitting an appeal based on hardship or other extenuating circumstances.

Below, you will find information that should be included when submitting an appeal.

Late Enrollment

• A completed 21^st Century Scholars Appeals Form
• A completed 21^st Century Scholars Application
• A personal statement explaining why the student missed the regular application deadline
• Proof of household income, such as filed tax returns, for the year that the student was eligible to apply
• Supporting documentation, if any

Denied Application

• A completed 21^st Century Scholars Appeals Form
• Proof that the student met the requirements for enrollment
• A personal statement explaining why the student feels that the denial was in error
• Supporting documentation, if any

Late Affirmation

• A completed 21^st Century Scholars Appeals Form
• A completed 21^st Century Scholars Affirmation Form
• A personal statement explaining why the student failed to affirm
• Supporting documentation, if any

Pledge Violation

After receiving written notification of a pledge violation, the 21^st Century Scholars Program will notify the student and parent or legal guardian by letter that the student will be removed from the program. The student may submit a personal statement to the Appeals Committee, as well as any supporting documentation, explaining why he or she should not be removed from the program and it will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Appeals After High School Graduation

Students who have graduated from high school but failed to receive the 21^st Century Scholarship due to failing to file the FAFSA while enrolled in college, failing to enroll in college within one year after high school graduation or who encounter any other circumstances while enrolled in college may use the following procedure.

• Division of Student Financial Aid Appeals Process

Other Appeals

There may be circumstances that do not fall into the above categories. When students are submitting other types of appeals, the student should include the following, regardless of the type of appeal:

• A completed 21^st Century Scholars Appeals Form
• A personal statement explaining why the student is appealing
• Supporting documentation, if any

Submitting Your Appeal

The Appeals Committee meets periodically throughout the year. After your appeal has been reviewed, you will receive an email or letter notifying you of the committee’s decision. Applicants are typically notified within three to six weeks after the appeal is received. All documentation and supporting material must be included when the appeal is submitted.

If you have any questions regarding the appeal process, please contact us at 1-888-528-4719 or Scholars@che.IN.gov.