Bartels: New career scholarships can open doors for Hoosier high school students

STATEHOUSE (Sept. 19, 2023) – State Rep. Stephen Bartels (R-Eckerty) encourages local 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.

Bartels 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.

"Kids in high school will want to apply soon for this great opportunity," Bartels said. "An extension of education outside the classroom and learning a trade are crucial chances for our students to get ahead in the job market or applying for college."

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.

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.

To learn more about Career Scholarship Accounts and enroll before the Oct. 1 deadline, click here. For more information, visit in.gov/tos/csa, email CSA@tos.in.gov or call 317-232-0723.

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State Rep. Stephen Bartels (R-Eckerty) represents House District 74, which includes
all of Crawford, Perry and Spencer counties, and portions of Dubois and Orange counties.
Click here for a high resolution photo.