A scholarship program for low-income students has stopped offering college tours as part of an effort to cut costs amid rising demand.
The 21st Century Scholars program was founded in 1990 with the goal of ensuring that every student could afford a college education. Low-income middle school students can receive a full college scholarship if they avoid drugs, stay out of criminal trouble and get acceptable grades.
But lawmakers have tightened eligibility requirements and cut the campus tours to control costs of the program.
Education leaders tell The Star Press the tours are invaluable for students who may be the first in their families to attend college.
Dick Daniel of Project Leadership says his group hopes to pick up the tours to Purdue, Indiana and Ball State universities.
