The following was sent to the Bloomingtonian:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Sept. 26, 2023
Monroe County lawmakers: New career scholarships
can open doors for Hoosier high school students
Deadline to apply for $5,000 scholarship is Oct. 1
STATEHOUSE (Sept. 26, 2023) – 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.
State Rep. Dave Hall (R-Norman) 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.
“Whether a student wants to pursue more training after high school or enter the workforce, these scholarships could provide them opportunities to explore potential careers and get hands-on training,” Hall said. “Skilling up earlier on can give students a better head start and increase their ability to land an in-demand job.”
State Rep. Bob Heaton (R-Terre Haute) 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.
“With technology advancing so fast, it’s essential for students to have some kind of training beyond a high school diploma in order to secure good jobs,” Heaton said. “These scholarships are a great way to cover the costs of work-based learning experiences that can lead to in-demand careers.”
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. Peggy Mayfield (R-Martinsville), approved courses and classes, which are listed on the online application, can be in accounting, cybersecurity, information technology, software development, veterinary science and more.
“There are so many good jobs in high-demand industries that don’t require a college degree,” Mayfield said. “Employers need workers who can learn on the job and be ready to go full-time upon graduation. I believe this scholarship will open up opportunities for more students to get hands-on experiences and prepare them for whatever path they choose.”
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.
To learn more about Career Scholarship Accountsand enroll before the Oct. 1 deadline, click here. For more information, visit in.gov/tos/csa, email [email protected] or call 317-232-0723.
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