Morgan County lawmakers: New career scholarships can open doors for Hoosier high school students

Posted by: Wade Coggeshall  | Tuesday, September 26, 2023

STATEHOUSE (Sept. 26, 2023) – State Reps. Peggy Mayfield (R-Martinsville) and Craig Haggard (R-Mooresville) encourage local high school students who want to pursue work-based learning and credentials outside the classroom to apply for the state's newly launched Career Scholarship Account program.

Mayfield said Hoosier students in 10th, 11th and 12th grades at a state accredited public or private school can receive up to $5,000 to access qualified training opportunities. About 1,000 spots are available for the 2023-2024 school year and students can apply for a Career Scholarship Account until the Oct. 1 deadline.

"There are so many good jobs in high-demand industries that don't require a college degree," Mayfield said. "Employers need workers who can learn on the job and be ready to go full-time upon graduation. I believe this scholarship will open up opportunities for more students to get hands-on experiences and prepare them for whatever path they choose."

Haggard said Career Scholarship Accounts are available to high school students who are enrolled in a course or educational experience approved by the Indiana Department of Education. Eligible students may also be enrolled in an apprenticeship, applied learning experience, work-based learning and/or credential attainment experience approved by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education.

"Financial barriers shouldn't stand in the way of a student pursuing a work-based learning experience that could lead to a promising career right out of high school," Haggard said. "These scholarships can benefit young Hoosiers seeking to learn skills that can give them a head start in the workforce."

Approved students will receive $5,000 over four disbursements and can use the money toward certain qualified expenses:

  • Expenses to enroll in and attend sequences, courses, apprenticeships, or programs of study;
  • Career coaching and navigation services;
  • Postsecondary education and training;
  • Transportation and equipment;
  • Certification and credentialing examinations; and 
  • Any other expenses approved by the Treasurer of the State.

Haggard said approved courses and classes, which are listed on the online application, can be in accounting, cybersecurity, information technology, software development, veterinary science and more.

The State Board of Education is also reviewing high school diploma requirements to provide more flexibility in a student’s schedule, so they can pursue work-based learning and apprenticeship experiences.

To learn more about Career Scholarship Accounts and enroll before the Oct. 1 deadline, visit in.gov/tos/csa, email CSA@tos.in.gov or call 317-232-0723. 

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State Rep. Craig Haggard (R-Mooresville) represents House District 57,
which includes portions of Hendricks, Johnson and Morgan counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.

State Rep. Peggy Mayfield (R-Martinsville) represents House District 60,
which includes portions of Johnson, Morgan and Monroe counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.