STATEHOUSE (Dec. 17, 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 Marion County lawmakers.
State Rep. Bob Behning (R-Indianapolis) 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.
"Good teachers are crucial to the success of future generations, and we want more students pursuing this career to use their talents in our state," said Behning, chair of the House Education Committee. "This scholarship helps defray college costs so that more young Hoosiers can one day lead our classrooms."
State Rep. Julie McGuire (R-Indianapolis) 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.
"It's important that some of our best students who want to become teachers can access a scholarship like this to help achieve their goal," said McGuire, a member of the House Education Committee. "I hope to see more eligible Hoosiers use this program and be part of what makes Indiana a leader in education."
State Rep. Andrew Ireland (R-Indianapolis) 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.
"Great schools start with great teachers who keep the focus on reading, math and partnering with parents," said Ireland, a member of the House Education Committee. "This scholarship lowers the cost so more of our best students can teach right here at home."
In 2023, the legislature passed a law authored by Behning 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.
"Preparing the next generation of teachers is an investment for our state," said State Rep. Chris Jeter (R-Fishers). "Students have the opportunity to follow their passion for teaching while easing the financial pressures of higher education."
To learn more about the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship, visit in.gov/che.
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State Rep. Bob Behning (R-Indianapolis) represents House District 91,
which includes a portion of Marion County.
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State Rep. Andrew Ireland (R-Indianapolis) represents House District 90,
which includes a portion of Marion County.
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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. Julie McGuire (R-Indianapolis) represents House District 93,
which includes a portion of Marion County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
