STATEHOUSE (Dec. 4, 2025) – Indiana high school seniors and college students planning to pursue a career in teaching can now apply for a Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship, according to Lake County lawmakers.
State Rep. Michael Aylesworth (R-Hebron) said this renewable scholarship, established in 2016 through legislation passed by the Indiana General Assembly, pays $10,000 per year for up to four academic years for students who commit to teaching in Indiana for at least five years.
"Indiana needs more teachers dedicated to nurturing the next generation of leaders," Aylesworth said. "This scholarship is a great opportunity for students to start their careers without financial burden."
State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) said scholarships will be awarded to high school and college students who have graduated or will graduate from an Indiana accredited high school or non-accredited nonpublic high school. Applicants must also rank in the top 20% of their high school graduating class, have a top 20% ACT or SAT score, or have a cumulative grade point average of at least a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
"The Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship helps future teachers get their foot in the door," Olthoff said. "By encouraging some of our best students to pursue this essential role, we are also supporting tomorrow's learners."
State Rep. Hal Slager (R-Schererville) said the 2026-2027 application is available online at scholartrack.che.in.gov through Feb. 28. Applicants will be notified of their scholarship status by April 2026. For questions, email the Indiana Commission for Higher Education at NextTeacher@che.in.gov.
"Teachers and education professionals contribute greatly to the families and children in our communities," Slager said. "This scholarship is a way for Indiana to support and encourage the next generation of educators."
In 2023, the legislature passed a law that increased the scholarship award amount from $7,500 to $10,000 and removed the annual 200-recipient cap. Last year, more than a thousand students applied for the scholarship, a new record, with nearly 300 scholarships awarded.
To learn more about the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship, visit in.gov/che.
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State Rep. Michael Aylesworth (R-Hebron) represents House District 11,
which includes portions of Jasper, Lake, Newton and Porter counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) represents House District 19,
which includes portions of Lake and Porter counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Hal Slager (R-Schererville) represents House District 15,
which includes a portion of Lake County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
