STATEHOUSE (July 1, 2025) – Megan Alexander and Aundrea Berkemeier, both Rushville Consolidated High School students, are among this year's recipients of the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship, according to State Reps. Cory Criswell (R-Middletown) and Lindsay Patterson (R-Brookville).
The scholarship program, established in 2016 through legislation passed by the Indiana General Assembly, awards recipients a renewable scholarship of up to $10,000 per year (up to $40,000 total) to high-achieving high school and college students who agree to teach in an eligible Indiana school for five years. A record-breaking 1,091 students applied for the 2025-2026 Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship, with nearly 300 scholarships awarded.
"I strongly believe these young educators will make a positive impact in Indiana classrooms," Criswell said. "The support from this scholarship helps remove some of the financial pressures students may face, allowing them to focus on their studies and career."
Patterson said those qualifying for the scholarship must graduate in the top 20 percent of their high school class, earn a score in the 20th percentile on the SAT or ACT, or have a cumulative grade point average of at least a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
“I’m encouraged to see local students stepping up to teach the next generation and receive this support for their journey as future educators,” Patterson said. "This scholarship recognizes their commitment to teaching and will help them financially so they can stay focused as they prepare for a career in the classroom.”
To learn more and apply for the next round of scholarships opening in the fall, visit LearnMoreIndiana.org/nextteacher. Questions may be directed to NextTeacher@che.in.gov.
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State Rep. Cory Criswell (R-Middletown) represents House District 54,
which includes portions of Hancock, Henry, Rush and Shelby counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Lindsay Patterson (R-Brookville) represents House District 55, which includes
all of Fayette, Franklin and Union counties, and portions of Decatur, Ripley and Rush counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
