STATEHOUSE – State Reps. Matt Lehman (R-Berne) and Lorissa Sweet (R-Wabash) 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.
Lehman 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.
“A lot of students in our area plan to learn a trade and could benefit from this scholarship,” Lehman said. “If you are a high schooler who wants to hit the ground running upon graduation, this is a great opportunity to receive some added financial support to help you achieve your career goals.”
Sweet 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.
“Hoosier employers need more trained workers and we know that increasing opportunities for high schoolers to skill up is part of that solution,” Sweet said. “Students can use these scholarships to check out career fields and build their resume, which can help them no matter what direction they take upon graduation.”
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.
Approved courses and classes, which are listed on the online application, can be in accounting, cybersecurity, information technology, software development, veterinary science and more.
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.
For more information, visit in.gov/tos/csa, email CSA@tos.in.gov or call 317-232-0723.
