Accelerate Your Success Program is increasing graduation rate, crushing student debt

For immediate release:
Feb. 25, 2015

INDIANAPOLIS – Legislation co-authored by State Rep. Vernon G. Smith (D-Gary) providing grants to colleges that establish accelerated degree programs was approved Monday (Feb. 23) by the Indiana House of Representatives.

House Bill 1231 incentivizes hardworking college students to graduate ahead of their program’s established timeline. Students must attend an approved postsecondary institution and graduate at least one year early to qualify. Frank O’Bannon and Twenty-First Century scholarships cannot be combined with the “Accelerate Your Success” award.

“Skyrocketing college education costs continue to weigh heavily on the shoulders of Indiana’s students,” noted Smith.

“The Accelerate Your Success program encourages students to study diligently, graduate, and earn degrees. Scholarships granted by the program are available to high-performing undergraduate and graduate students with confirmed financial need.”

Awardees pursuing a baccalaureate degree may accept the “Accelerate Your Success” scholarship for three years. Students seeking an associate’s degree or certificate are eligible to receive it for 1.5 years.

HB 1231 is authored by State Rep. Todd Huston (R-Fishers). In addition to Smith, State Reps. Terri Austin (D-Anderson) and Robert Behning (R-Indianapolis) co-authored the legislation.

HB 1231 was unanimously approved 96-0 by House members. The bill now advances to the Indiana Senate for further deliberation by legislators.