STATEHOUSE (July 9, 2025) – Local students Lorelei Burdick of John Glenn High School and Miranda McCarty of Knox Community High school are among this year's recipients of the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship, according to State Reps. Kendell Culp (R-Rensselaer) and Jim Pressel (R-Rolling Prairie).
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.
"Teachers help shape the next generation of Hoosier leaders," Culp said. "It is encouraging to see these students stepping up and kickstarting their educational careers."
Pressel 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.
"This scholarship can be a financial lifeline for students seeking a degree in education," Pressel said. "I congratulate these recipients for their hard work and dedication to serve future generations."
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. Kendell Culp (R-Rensselaer) represents House District 16,
which includes portions of Jasper, Pulaski, Starke and White counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Jim Pressel (R-Rolling Prairie) represents District 20,
which includes portions of LaPorte and Starke counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
