STATEHOUSE (Jan. 31, 2024) – The Indiana House of Representatives recently advanced a bill to expand work-based learning access in Indiana, according to Madison 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. Kyle Pierce (R-Anderson), 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 job.
"This bill represents our commitment to ensuring Indiana's students have wide-ranging options for continuing their education, whether that means a four-year degree or an apprenticeship," Pierce said. "Students deserve diverse opportunities when it comes to their education, and I look forward to seeing this bill become law."
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."
"A student's path to a rewarding career may look different for each individual," said State Rep. Lori Goss-Reaves (R-Marion), a co-author of the legislation. "Success comes in different forms, and this important legislation will help more students on their pathway to skilling up and obtaining an in-demand and high-paying job."
"There are many in-demand jobs that don't require a college degree, yet still need some form of certification or training," State Rep. Elizabeth Rowray (R-Yorktown) said. "Young Hoosiers need help attaining these jobs, and expanding these traditional college scholarship opportunities to include work-based learning can help us reach that goal."
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.
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State Rep. Lori Goss-Reaves (R-Marion) represents House District 31,
which includes portions of Grant and Madison counties.
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State Rep. Chris Jeter (R-Fishers) represents House District 88,
which includes portions of Hamilton, Hancock, Madison and Marion counties.
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State Rep. Kyle Pierce (R-Anderson) represents House District 36,
which includes a portion of Madison County.
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State Rep. Elizabeth Rowray (R-Yorktown) represents House District 35,
which includes portions of Delaware and Madison counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
