STATEHOUSE (Dec. 3, 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 Montgomery County lawmakers.
State Rep. Beau Baird (R-Greencastle) 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.
"Strong schools start with strong teachers," Baird said. "This scholarship is a great way to help our best and brightest students stay in Indiana and build rewarding careers in the classroom."
State Rep. Matt Commons (R-Williamsport) 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.
"Teaching can be such a rewarding career path for those who choose it," said Commons, a high school social studies teacher. "The Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship creates opportunities for future teachers, and I encourage students looking to make an impact to apply."
State Rep. Mark Genda (R-Frankfort) 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.
"The Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship provides a path for future teachers to pursue a degree and keep their talents in Indiana," Genda said. "All students interested in a career in education should apply today."
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.
"Education is an essential investment in our citizens, communities and state," said State Rep. Jeff Thompson (R-Lizton), a retired chemistry, physics and math teacher. "Having top talent go on to lead our classrooms helps ensure Indiana remains one of the best states to call home."
To learn more about the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship, visit in.gov/che.
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State Rep. Beau Baird (R-Greencastle) represents House District 44,
which includes all of Putnam County and a portion of Montgomery County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Mark Genda (R-Frankfort) represents House District 41,
which includes portions of Boone, Clinton, Montgomery and Tippecanoe counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Matt Commons (R-Williamsport) represents House District 13,
which includes all of Benton and Warren counties, and portions of
Fountain, Jasper, Montgomery, Newton, Tippecanoe and White counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Jeff Thompson (R-Lizton) represents House District 28,
which includes portions of Boone, Hendricks and Montgomery counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
