Just over half of Hoosier students graduating from high school go on to college. Many others choose not to for myriad reasons, but still need more than a high school diploma to land in-demand jobs. And according to the National Skills Coalition, about 58% of jobs in Indiana require training beyond a high school diploma, but not a four-year degree.
Hoosier students need access to multiple educational opportunities to prepare for life after graduation. That's why I supported creating the Career Scholarship Accounts program. Hoosier students in grades 10-12 at a state-accredited public or private school can receive up to $5,000 to help pay for applied and work-based learning experiences, apprenticeships and credentials attainment. About 2,000 scholarships are available for the 2024-2025 school year, and the deadline to apply is Oct. 1.
To be eligible, students must be enrolled in a course or educational experience approved by the Indiana Department of Education. That includes joint career and technical education, modern youth apprenticeships, registered apprenticeships or an Indiana College Core program by an approved CSA participating entity.
Scholarships will be disbursed over four payments and can be used toward certain qualified expenses:
Approved courses and classes include a variety of topics like accounting, carpentry, cybersecurity, information technology, software development and veterinary science. A full list of approved courses, educational experiences and participating entities can be found at in.gov/tos/csa.
To learn more about Career Scholarship Accounts and enroll before the Oct. 1 deadline, visit in.gov/tos/csa, email CSA@tos.in.gov or call 317-232-0723.
I also encourage local employers, trade associations, labor unions and others interested in connecting with the next generation of talent to apply to host a CSA program or be a provider. Visit in.gov/tos/csa and click on "provider resources" for more information.
Many students learn and retain a tremendous amount of information from having experiences beyond the classroom. Interactive educational options can lead to promising careers or set students up to pursue other credentials or training after graduation. Regardless of their plans, all students should have access to as many educational pathways as possible to give them the most opportunities for a successful future.
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State Rep. Chris May (R-Bedford) represents House District 65,
which includes all of Lawrence County, and portions of Jackson, Orange and Washington counties.
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