STATEHOUSE (Jan. 5, 2024) – The Indiana House of Representatives recently advanced a bill to expand work-based learning access in Indiana, according to Hancock County lawmakers.
If passed, House Bill 1001 would expand the Frank O'Bannon Grant and the 21st Century Scholarship beyond traditional college coursework to include job training. State Rep. Cory Criswell (R-Middletown), a co-author of the bill, said it would provide opportunities for Hoosiers who may not be interested in pursuing a two- or four-year degree to use these funds to skill up and obtain high-demand jobs.
"This bill affirms our commitment to ensuring students have access to career training, no matter what their end goal is," Criswell said. "Whether it's a college degree or an apprenticeship, young Hoosiers should have a wide range of pathways to continue their education."
According to the National Skills Coalition, about 58% of jobs in Indiana require skills training beyond a high school diploma, but not a four-year degree. State Rep. Chris Jeter (R-Fishers) said Indiana's goal is to give more high school graduates access to job training and education so they can obtain in-demand jobs and boost the state's workforce.
"There's no substitute for having hands-on, work-based experience when you apply for a job," Jeter said. "We want to give all Hoosier students pathways to success no matter what they pursue after high school."
State Rep. Bob Cherry (R-Greenfield), a co-author of House Bill 1001, said this year's efforts build on a law he supported during the 2023 legislative session, creating Career Scholarship Accounts for Hoosier students to pay for career training, apprenticeships, certifications and internships. These accounts can 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.
"Career Scholarship Accounts remove financial roadblocks for students who want to have on-the-job training while they're still in high school, which can help set them up for the workforce upon graduation," Cherry said. "Schools across our community are already doing a great job of giving students options to earn-and-learn, start an apprenticeship or receive skilled trade training, and these scholarships affirmed our commitment to helping those programs succeed."
House Bill 1001 now heads to the Indiana Senate for further consideration. For more information, or to watch session and committees live, visit iga.in.gov. Hoosiers can go to in.gov/tos/csa to find out more about Career Scholarship Accounts and eligibility requirements.
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State Rep. Bob Cherry (R-Greenfield) represents House District 53,
which includes portions of Hancock and Madison counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
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. Chris Jeter (R-Fishers) represents House District 88,
which includes portions of Hamilton, Hancock, Madison and Marion counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
