STATEHOUSE (Dec. 15, 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 Northeast Indiana lawmakers.
State Rep. Ben Smaltz (R-Auburn) 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.
"Indiana's future depends on well-prepared, passionate teachers," Smaltz said. "This scholarship is a strategic investment in our education system and workforce. By helping aspiring educators, we're addressing teacher shortages, improving student outcomes and creating long-term stability."
State Rep. David Abbott (R-Rome City) 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.
"The strength of our schools stems from the commitment of its educators," Abbott said. "By supporting students who enter and stay in the teaching profession, the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship ensures Indiana's classrooms are led by capable and inspiring educators."
State Rep. Tony Isa (R-Angola) 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.
"There is always a need for skilled, dedicated teachers in Indiana classrooms," Isa said. "Through this scholarship, we're helping future educators achieve their goals and encouraging them to build their careers right here in our communities."
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.
To learn more about the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship, visit in.gov/che.
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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. 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. Tony Isa (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.
