STATEHOUSE (Feb. 27, 2023) – The Indiana House of Representatives recently advanced legislation supported by Bartholomew County lawmakers to expand work-based learning opportunities in high schools around the state.
State Rep. Ryan Lauer (R-Columbus) said House Bill 1002 would create Career Scholarship Accounts for Hoosier students to pay for career training, apprenticeships, certifications and internships. The legislation would also allow quality, work-based learning to count toward high school graduation requirements and create a framework for students to earn a post-secondary credential.
"Early learning opportunities are vital to guiding the future of our workforce and allowing students to explore possible career paths," Lauer said. "This legislation would help students learn more about what they are passionate about and gain valuable experience."
State Rep. Jim Lucas (R-Seymour) said Career Scholarship Accounts could be used by sophomores, juniors and seniors to enroll in earn-and-learn opportunities, as well as to pay for items like transportation and uniforms to remove barriers to accessing these experiences. The Indiana Department of Education would approve available courses and tracks, and accounts would be awarded $5,000 under the recently proposed House Republican budget.
"Not all students are bound for college and that’s why it's critical for them to get real-world experience in different career fields while still in high school," Lucas said. "By giving students more work-based learning opportunities, they can identify their interests and start building on their skills now. It's about being ready to hit the ground running upon graduation."
State Rep. Jennifer Meltzer (R-Shelbyville) said the proposed legislation could also incentivize schools and career centers to embrace more earn-and-learn partnerships. It would also task the State Board of Education with re-examining high school diploma requirements in order to provide more flexibility in a student’s schedule so they can pursue apprenticeships, applied learning experiences, work-based learning and credentials.
"Internships, apprenticeships and other hands-on opportunities teach young Hoosiers essential skills needed to be successful," Meltzer said. "This bill is about making sure all students have a pathway to success, whether that's entering the workforce upon graduation or pursuing additional training."
Meltzer said this legislation would also allow post-secondary scholarships, such as the 21st Century Scholarship, to be used for trainings provided by intermediaries, employers or a labor organization.
House Bill 1002 now heads to the Indiana Senate for further consideration. For more information about this legislation, visit iga.in.gov.
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State Rep. Ryan Lauer (R-Columbus) represents House District 59,
which includes a portion of Bartholomew County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Jim Lucas (R-Seymour) represents House District 69,
which includes portions of Bartholomew, Jackson, Scott and Washington counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Jennifer Meltzer (R-Shelbyville) represents House District 73,
which includes portions of Bartholomew, Decatur, Jennings and Shelby counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
