Groups Scholars offers head start to college success

KOKOMO, Ind. -It's intimidating to relocate to a new city where you don't know anyone.

Fishers resident Akya Koenig feels more confident about her move before her first year at Indiana University Kokomo, because she made friends through the Groups Scholars program.

"Once I move in, I'll have friends to hang out with me," she said. "We can have study groups. It's good to build a sense of community and help each other out."

Koenig is one of 29 students participating in the 2026 Groups Scholars cohort, which provides academic, financial, and social support to first-year students across the IU system. The program helps them become more familiar with the campus environment and develop a social network and support system to help them succeed.

"The intended outcome for Groups Scholars is to reduce the achievement gaps for students with barriers to college," said Victoria Ducret, associate director of the Office of Student Success and Advising. "Barriers could be financial, adjusting to college, academics, or finding resources and community."

The 2026 cohort includes nine first-generation students and 12 who are 21^st Century Scholars or recipients of Frank O'Bannon Grants or Pell Grants.

Students spent six weeks on campus, taking a three-credit class - either Topics in Environmental Chemistry: Sustainability, taught by Brandon Wysong, lecturer in biology; or Introduction to Sociology, taught by Nicholas Baxter, associate professor of sociology. Ducret leads a one-credit first-year success seminar, which teaches them how to find campus resources, navigate campus, access financial resources, and take care of their mental and physical health, among other topics.

Olivia Farmer, from Greentown, appreciated the opportunity to earn those credits, which will complete her general education requirements, along with what she earned in high school, and allow her to start classes in her criminal justice major right away.

"It eases you into college," she said. "It shows you what college life looks like, the people you are going to meet, and the stuff you're going to do."

Crowe McGillem, Kokomo, was homeschooled for high school, and wanted the opportunity to return to a classroom in a smaller setting.

"I hadn't done a group project since before 2020," he said. "I was relearning how to do that kind of work, and communicating with people has been a little bit of a struggle. It's been impactful for learning how to get in the swing of that."

He added that it also gave him a chance to take a class he might not have chosen on his own.

"I would never have thought to take a sociology class," McGillem said. "I didn't think that was something I was interested in, but I'm having a lot of fun and it's interesting. I'm glad I got to do that."

For Trace Bowers, Windfall, the program provided a chance to create new habits before classes start in the fall, and to make new friends.

"I need a routine and school starts a routine for me," he said. "You get to know where your classes are, and meet people who might be in the classes, so you aren't a complete stranger to people."

Kassidy Fletchall, Kokomo, agreed that making friends was her favorite part. She also was glad to learn about note taking techniques and time frames for assignments.

"Groups gave me an opportunity to get my foot into college, and create friendships before it starts, so I have a support group," she said.

Students all said they were happy to receive the $500 scholarship and laptop provided for all Groups Scholars. They're also matched with a faculty mentor and receive continued support through the year.

Sophomore Bryce Bowman, a member of the 2025 cohort who is now a peer advisor and orientation leader, said the intentional and strategic support the program provides helps students find community and build confidence in their ability to succeed.

"Groups Scholars is needed because college can be overwhelming, especially for students who are first generation students like me," said Bowman, from Cutler. "Having a support system that offers guidance and encouragement can make the difference between attending college and being able to thrive."

Education is KEY at Indiana University Kokomo.