Scholarship Program Forces Students to Pledge Not to Use Drugs or Alcohol

The Frat Boy News Daily Pause for the Cause

College students receiving tuition money from Indiana's 21st Century Scholars program pledge not to use drugs or alcohol, but the state doesn't have a formal way to check on whether scholars keep their promise.

The state spends million of dollars every year on the college tuition program for income-eligible students who must keep up their grades and file for financial aid. Students must also pledge not to use drugs or alcohol or commit crimes.

Seana Murphy, director of the Office of 21st Century Scholars, said school counselors will sometimes inform the office of violations of the pledge, especially if students have been suspended for having drugs or weapons at school.

"We rely very heavily on the community and the parents,'' Murphy said.