STATEHOUSE (Sept. 18, 2023) – Northeast Indiana lawmakers 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.
State Rep. David Abbott (R-Rome City) 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.
"To be successful in today's workforce, we know that employees need additional education and training beyond a high school diploma," Abbott said. "This new scholarship program can alleviate some of the financial strain so that more students are able to connect with area employers and be better prepared for what comes after graduation."
State Rep. Ben Smaltz (R-Auburn) 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.
"Our schools are teaching the students the key skills they need to be successful and this program takes it a step further," Smaltz said. "Career Scholarships Accounts can be instrumental for Hoosier students who want these work-based learning experiences but couldn't participate due to the added expenses."
Approved students will receive $5,000 over four disbursements and can use the money toward certain qualified expenses:
According to State Rep. Denny Zent (R-Angola), approved courses and classes, which are listed on the online application, can be in accounting, cybersecurity, information technology, software development, veterinary science and more.
"Getting real-world experience with apprenticeships and trainings before heading into the workforce is a great way for a student to expand their resumes," Zent said. "This also provides students with an opportunity to explore different career routes, which is crucial to their personal success."
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, click here. For more information, visit CSA@tos.in.gov or call 317-232-0723.
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State Rep. David Abbott (R-Rome City) represents House District 18,
which includes portions of Elkhart, Kosciusko, Noble and Whitley counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Ben Smaltz (R-Auburn) represents House District 52,
which includes all of DeKalb County, and portions of Noble and Steuben counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Denny Zent (R-Angola) represents House District 51,
which includes all of LaGrange County and a portion of Steuben County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
