STATEHOUSE (March 17, 2023) – The Indiana House of Representatives advanced legislation supported by Northwest Indiana lawmakers that would expand work-based learning opportunities in high schools around the state.
State Rep. Michael Aylesworth (R-Hebron) said House Bill 1002 would create Career Scholarship Accounts for Hoosier students to pay for career training, apprenticeships, certifications and internships. The legislation would also allow quality, work-based learning to count toward high school graduation requirements and create a framework for students to earn a post-secondary credential.
"Work-based learning is a great way for students to get hands-on experience so they are better prepared to enter the workforce," Aylesworth said. "It's important to remember that there are many in-demand jobs that you don't need a college degree for, but they still require some training."
State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) said Career Scholarship Accounts could be used by sophomores, juniors and seniors to enroll in earn-and-learn opportunities, as well as to pay for items like transportation and uniforms to remove barriers to accessing these experiences. The Indiana Department of Education would approve available courses and tracks, and accounts would be awarded $5,000 under the recently proposed House Republican budget.
"Opening up more opportunities for high school students to explore career fields and gain valuable hands-on experience is a commonsense approach to making their education more relevant and beneficial," Olthoff said. "Work-based learning will help young Hoosiers identify their interests and start building skills so they can hit the ground running after graduation."
According to State Rep. Jim Pressel (R-Rolling Prairie), the proposed legislation could also incentivize schools and career centers to embrace more earn-and-learn partnerships.
"Providing more hands-on learning opportunities beyond classroom instruction can help prepare Hoosier students for the workforce and better fit their goals," Pressel said. "Internships and apprenticeships can open up pathways to success, which do not always have to come through college."
State Rep. Hal Slager (R-Schererville) said the State Board of Education would be tasked with re-examining high school diploma requirements in order to provide more flexibility in a student’s schedule so they can pursue apprenticeships, applied learning experiences, work-based learning and credentials.
"This legislation paves the way for high schoolers to get involved in the industries they are interested in," Slager said. "We recognize that young Hoosiers take different career paths and supporting students as they participate in work-based learning is a great way to ensure they are better prepared for what comes after high school."
State Rep. Ed Soliday (R-Valparaiso) said the legislation would also allow post-secondary scholarships, such as the Frank O'Bannon Grant and the 21st Century Scholarship, to be used for trainings provided by intermediaries, employers or a labor organization.
"Work-based learning in real-world settings is essential for high schoolers" Soliday said. "It's important that we provide options for students who aren't interested in college but need training to better prepare them for the job market."
According to State Rep. Jake Teshka (R-South Bend) the proposed legislation would provide additional opportunities for Hoosiers, who may not be interested in college, to use these funds to skill up and be prepared for the modern workforce.
"College isn't for everyone, so creating different avenues for students to find success is important," Teshka said. "The goal is to make sure Hoosier students have the opportunity to explore their interests to be successful after high school."
House Bill 1002 is with the Indiana Senate for further consideration. For more information about this legislation, visit iga.in.gov.
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State Rep. Michael Aylesworth (R-Hebron) represents House District 11,
which includes portions of Jasper, Lake, Newton and Porter counties.
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State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) represents House District 19,
which includes portions of Lake and Porter counties.
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State Rep. Jim Pressel (R-Rolling Prairie) represents House District 20,
which includes portions of LaPorte and Starke counties.
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State Rep. Hal Slager (R-Schererville) represents House District 15,
which includes a portion of Lake County.
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State Rep. Ed Soliday (R-Valparaiso) represents House District 4,
which includes a portion of Porter County.
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State Rep. Jake Teshka (R-South Bend) represents House District 7,
which includes portions of LaPorte, Marshall and St. Joseph counties.
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