Hamilton County Lawmakers: New Career Scholarships Can Open Doors For Hoosier High School Students
Deadline to apply for $5,000 scholarship is Oct. 1
Local lawmakers encourage high school students who want to pursue work-based learning and credentials outside the classroom to apply for the state’s newly launched Career Scholarship Account program.
“For Indiana to remain economically competitive and for our students to be successful beyond the classroom, we need to ensure the needs of our students align with the needs of our employers,” said House Speaker Todd Huston. “These scholarships open up opportunities for high school students to boost their skills before graduation, so they can be better prepared no matter what path they choose.”
State Rep. Chuck Goodrich, author of the new law creating the accounts, said Hoosier students in 10th, 11th and 12th grades at a state accredited public or private school can receive up to $5,000 to access qualified training opportunities. About 1,000 spots are available for the 2023-2024 school year and students can apply for a Career Scholarship Account until the Oct. 1 deadline.
“We know that Hoosiers need a credential beyond a high school diploma, like a certificate or degree, to succeed in today’s competitive workforce,” Goodrich said. “These new scholarships are a gamechanger for our students and can help pay for experiences that are key to helping them identify a career path and develop in-demand skills.”
State Rep. Donna Schaibley said Career Scholarship Accounts are available to high school students who are enrolled in a course or educational experience approved by the Indiana Department of Education. Eligible students may also be enrolled in an apprenticeship, applied learning experience, work-based learning and/or credential attainment experience approved by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education.
“I believe our local schools are doing a great job at skilling up our students and this program will help build on their efforts,” Schaibley said. “Career Scholarship Accounts can make a big difference, particularly for low-income students, who want to explore work experiences outside of the classroom but were limited due to the expense of transportation or other costs.”
Approved students will receive $5,000 over four disbursements and can use the money toward certain qualified expenses:
- Expenses to enroll in and attend sequences, courses, apprenticeships, or programs of study;
- Career coaching and navigation services;
- Postsecondary education and training;
- Transportation and equipment;
- Certification and credentialing examinations; and
- Any other expenses approved by the Treasurer of the State.
According to State Rep. Jerry Torr (R-Carmel), approved courses and classes, which are listed on the online application, can be in accounting, cybersecurity, information technology, software development, veterinary science and more.
“Hoosier employers are struggling to find qualified workers for high-paying jobs that require additional training,” Torr said. “Providing our students with more opportunities to learn about career options and explore them is critical to their success, and it’s equally important to today’s job providers.”
The State Board of Education is also reviewing high school diploma requirements to provide more flexibility in a student’s schedule, so they can pursue work-based learning and apprenticeship experiences.
“Creating opportunities for high school students to explore career fields and gain valuable hands-on experience is a commonsense approach toward making their education more relevant and beneficial,” said State Rep. Chris Jeter (R-Fishers). “This much-needed collaboration between schools and employers will help young Hoosiers identify and pursue their interests early on.”
To learn more about Career Scholarship Accounts and enroll before the Oct. 1 deadline, click [in.accessgov.com/tos/Forms/Page/tos/csa-application/1]here. For more information, visit in.gov/tos/csa, email CSA@tos.in.gov or call 317-232-0723.