Clay County lawmakers: Students can now apply for $5K work-based learning scholarships

Posted by: Wade Coggeshall  | Thursday, May 16, 2024

STATEHOUSE (May 16, 2024) – State Reps. Bob Heaton (R-Terre Haute) and Alan Morrison (R-Brazil) encourage high school students who want to pursue work-based learning and credentials to apply for a Career Scholarship Account.

Heaton said Hoosier students in 10th, 11th and 12th grades at a state-accredited public or private school can receive up to a $5,000 state-funded scholarship to pursue apprenticeships, applied learning experiences, work-based learning and credentials attainment. About 2,000 spots are available for the 2024-2025 school year and students can apply for a Career Scholarship Account until the Oct. 1 deadline.

"Students who aren't planning on attending college or enlisting in the military still need some kind of training to land an in-demand job," Heaton said. "A Career Scholarship Account can help cover the expense of earning a credential that can lead to a rewarding job after graduating."

Morrison said 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 will participate in joint career and technical education, modern youth apprenticeships, registered apprenticeships or an Indiana College Core program by an approved CSA participating entity.

"There are a lot of employers throughout the state seeking skilled workers for jobs that don't require a four-year college degree," Morrison said. "Young Hoosiers have so many opportunities to access learning experiences while still in high school that can put them on a path to a promising career more quickly."

Approved students will receive $5,000 over four disbursements and can use the money toward certain qualified expenses:

  • Class expenses for student's apprenticeships/internship program;
  • Postsecondary education and/or training;
  • Equipment for student's apprenticeship/internship program;
  • Certification and credentialing examinations;
  • Career coaching and navigation services;
  • Driver's license; and
  • Transportation.

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.

Local employers, trade associations, labor unions and others interested in connecting with the next generation of talent can apply to host a CSA program or be a provider. Visit in.gov/tos/csa and click on "provider resources" for more information. 

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State Rep. Bob Heaton (R-Terre Haute) represents House District 46,
which includes all of Owen County, and portions of Clay, Monroe and Vigo counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.

State Rep. Alan Morrison (R-Brazil) represents House District 42,
which includes all of Parke and Vermillion counties, and portions of Clay, Fountain and Vigo counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.