STATEHOUSE (March 15, 2023) – The Indiana House of Representatives recently advanced legislation supported by State Reps. Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville) and Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka) that would expand work-based learning opportunities in high schools around the state.
Borders 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.
"A high school education should include more than the classroom experience," Borders said. "Students need opportunities to explore careers and discover their interests in real-world settings, especially those who aren't planning to attend college."
Hostettler 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.
"We know there are many employers that are struggling to find qualified candidates for job openings," Hostettler said. "This legislation could be a great way for them to connect to students who are eager to learn new skills that can prepare them for in-demand careers right out of school."
Hostettler 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.
The legislation would also allow post-secondary scholarships, such as the Frank O'Bannon Grant and the 21st Century Scholarship, to be used for trainings provided by intermediaries, employers or a labor organization. This would provide additional opportunities for Hoosiers, who may not be interested in college, to use these funds to skill up and be prepared for the modern workforce.
House Bill 1002 is now with the Indiana Senate for further consideration. For more information about this legislation, visit iga.in.gov.
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State Rep. Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville) represents House District 45,
which includes all of Greene and Sullivan counties, and portions of Daviess, Knox and Vigo counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka) represents House District 64,
which includes portions of Gibson, Knox and Vanderburgh counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
