Clark State Community College will hold an induction ceremony for the new class of students selected for the Clark State Scholars Program.

The Scholars Program is a participatory program for students entering eighth grade that, if successfully completed, results in three years of tuition-free education at Clark State through the efforts of the Clark State Foundation.

This year’s class includes 40 Champion City Scholars from Springfield City middle schools, 20 Champaign County Scholars from Graham and Urbana middle schools and 20 Clark County Scholars from Clark-Shawnee and Tecumseh middle schools. These students will be part of the graduating Class of 2023 Clark State Scholars.

“This will mark the 15th year Clark State has inducted Springfield City middle school students into the Scholars Program and the first year for students from Clark County schools. Last year we had the privilege of inducting middle school students from Graham and Urbana middle schools for the first time,” said Kanesha Scott, director of the Clark State Scholars Program. “We could not be more excited to expand this impactful program.”

Scott said the Clark State Foundation works with schools to identify eligible middle school students who will become the first in their families to earn a college degree. Accepted students in the Scholars Program must maintain a 2.0 or greater grade point average, maintain 93 percent or better school attendance, participate in at least 75 percent of the program activities, exhibit good citizenship, take classes in high school that will prepare the students for college and stay enrolled in school.

The Clark State Scholars Program induction ceremony will begin at 7 p.m., Tuesday, January 22 at the Clark State Performing Arts Center, 300 South Fountain Avenue in downtown Springfield. The event will be hosted by the Clark State Foundation.