Rush County lawmakers: Students can now apply for $5K work-based learning scholarships

Posted by: Amanda Schreiber  | Tuesday, May 21, 2024

STATEHOUSE (May 21, 2024) – State Reps. Cory Criswell (R-Middletown) and Lindsay Patterson (R-Brookville) encourage high school students who want to pursue work-based learning and credentials to apply for a Career Scholarship Account.

Criswell said Hoosier students in 10th, 11th and 12th grades at a state accredited public or private school can receive up to a $5,000 state-funded scholarship to pursue apprenticeships, applied learning experiences, work-based learning and credentials attainment. About 2,000 spots are available for the 2024-2025 school year and students can apply for a Career Scholarship Account until the Oct. 1 deadline.

"It's important to recognize that not every student's journey involves college," Criswell said. "These scholarships provide young Hoosiers with the opportunity to explore their passions, gain skills and more easily transition into the workforce after high school."

Patterson said 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 will participate in joint career and technical education, modern youth apprenticeships, registered apprenticeships or an Indiana College Core program by an approved CSA participating entity.

"Getting experience before entering the workforce can be a huge boost for young Hoosiers," Patterson said. "By taking part in hands-on learning opportunities, more students will have the skills and knowledge to pursue high-demand jobs or further training after high school."

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

  • Class expenses for student's apprenticeships/internship program;
  • Postsecondary education and/or training;
  • Equipment for student's apprenticeship/internship program;
  • Certification and credentialing examinations;
  • Career coaching and navigation services;
  • Driver's license; and
  • Transportation.

Approved courses and classes include a variety of topics like accounting, carpentry, cybersecurity, information technology, software development and veterinary science. A full list of approved courses, educational experiences and participating entities can be found at in.gov/tos/csa.

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.

Local employers, trade associations, labor unions and others interested in connecting with the next generation of talent can apply to host a CSA program or be a provider. Visit in.gov/tos/csa and click on "provider resources" for more information.

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State Rep. Cory Criswell (R-Middletown) represents House District 54,
which includes portions of Hancock, Henry, Rush and Shelby counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.

State Rep. Lindsay Patterson (R-Brookville) represents House District 55, which includes 
all of Fayette, Franklin and Union counties, and portions of Decatur, Ripley and Rush counties.
Click 
here to download a high-resolution photo.