Gibson County lawmakers: New career scholarships can open doors for Hoosier high school students

Deadline to apply for $5,000 scholarship is Oct. 1

Posted by: Justin Borowitz  | Monday, September 18, 2023

STATEHOUSE (Sept. 18, 2023) – Gibson County lawmakers encourage local high school students who want to pursue work-based learning and credentials outside the classroom to apply for the state's newly launched Career Scholarship Account program.

State Rep. Cindy Ledbetter (R-Newburgh) said Hoosier students in 10th, 11th and 12th grades at a state accredited public or private school can receive up to $5,000 to access qualified training opportunities. About 1,000 spots are available for the 2023-2024 school year and students can apply for a Career Scholarship Account until the Oct. 1 deadline.

"Students need to submit their applications soon for this tremendous opportunity," Ledbetter said. "Education beyond the classroom setting is invaluable for young people preparing to launch their careers."

State Rep. Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka) said Career Scholarship 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 may also be enrolled in an apprenticeship, applied learning experience, work-based learning and/or credential attainment experience approved by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education.

"High school sophomores, juniors and seniors need to prepare for what comes after graduation, including going immediately into the workforce," Hostettler said. "This program gives students the opportunity to learn about their desired occupation and be ready for a career upon earning their high school degree."

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

  • Expenses to enroll in and attend sequences, courses, apprenticeships, or programs of study;
  • Career coaching and navigation services;
  • Postsecondary education and training;
  • Transportation and equipment;
  • Certification and credentialing examinations; and 
  • Any other expenses approved by the Treasurer of the State.

Approved courses and classes, which are listed on the online application, can be in accounting, cybersecurity, information technology, software development, veterinary science and more.

The State Board of Education is also reviewing high school diploma requirements to provide more flexibility in a student’s schedule, so they can pursue work-based learning and apprenticeship experiences.

To learn more about Career Scholarship Accounts and enroll before the Oct. 1 deadline, click here. For more information, visit in.gov/tos/csa, email CSA@tos.in.gov or call 317-232-0723.

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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.

State Rep. Cindy Ledbetter (R-Newburgh) represents House District 75,
which includes portions of Gibson, Pike and Warrick counties.
Click
here to download a high-resolution photo.