STATEHOUSE (May 18, 2022) – Olivia Sprong from Columbus North High School and Winter Shaver from Columbus East High School, who are both aspiring teachers, are among this year's recipients of the state's Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship, according to State Rep. Ryan Lauer (R-Columbus).
The scholarship program, established in 2016 through legislation supported by the Indiana General Assembly, awards $7,500 per year to 200 high-achieving students. Recipients must commit to teaching in Indiana for a minimum of five years after graduating college. Current high school seniors or college students are eligible to apply.
"This program encourages future educators to teach in Indiana and alleviates some of the financial burden that comes with paying for a college education," Lauer said. "Congratulations to Olivia and Winter. I hope to see them back in Bartholomew County classrooms in the future."
More than 600 students applied, and Sprong and Shaver are among this year's 200 scholarship recipients.
Those qualifying for the renewable scholarship totaling up to $30,000 must graduate in the highest 20 percent of their high school class, earn a score in the top 20th percentile on the SAT or ACT or have a cumulative grade point average of at least a 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.
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. Ryan Lauer (R-Columbus) represents House District 59,
which includes portions of Bartholomew County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
