Reps. Commons, Genda: State awards educator scholarship to local students

STATEHOUSE (July 11, 2025) – Tippecanoe County students preparing to become teachers are among this year's recipients of the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship, according to local lawmakers.

The scholarship program, established in 2016 through legislation passed by the Indiana General Assembly, awards a renewable scholarship of up to $10,000 per year (up to $40,000 total) to high-achieving high school and college students who agree to teach in an eligible Indiana school for five years. A record-breaking 1,091 students applied for the 2025-2026 Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship, with nearly 300 scholarships awarded.

"As a teacher, I see the need to encourage more educators to lead our classrooms and help our students succeed," said State Rep. Matt Commons (R-Williamsport). "With a program like this, more talented young Hoosiers can pursue a path to teaching without the added burden of higher education costs."

This year, these local students were among the scholarship recipients:

• Lauren Fecher, William Henry Harrison High School;
• Emma Kimerer, Jefferson High School;
• Adalyn Nelson, Faith Christian School;
• Autumn Nugent, Faith Christian School;
• William Scherrer, West Lafayette Jr/Sr High School;
• Dominic Schweiss, Central Catholic Jr-Sr High School;
• Isabelle Scott, Faith Christian School;
• Aionna Woodson, Jefferson High School; and
• Micah Wright, William Henry Harrison High School.

"These students are choosing to nurture, educate and make a difference for the next generation of Hoosier leaders," said State Rep. Mark Genda (R-Frankfort). "With scholarships like this, they can kick start their careers in the classroom." 

Those qualifying for the scholarship must graduate in the top 20 percent of their high school class, earn a score in the 20th percentile on the SAT or ACT, or have a cumulative grade point average of at least a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

To learn more and apply for the next round of scholarships opening in the fall, visit LearnMoreIndiana.org/nextteacher. Questions may be directed to NextTeacher@che.in.gov.

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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. 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.