STATEHOUSE (Sept. 18, 2023) – Local lawmakers encourage 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. Alex Zimmerman (R-North Vernon) 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.
"By utilizing these scholarships, students looking to head straight into the workforce can learn valuable skills before leaving high school," Zimmerman said. "These experiences will help make them more marketable to employers and increase their confidence when applying for jobs."
State Rep. Jennifer Meltzer (R-Shelbyville) 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.
"Getting work experience at a young age can really set them up for success after high school," Meltzer said. "These scholarships can make it easier for Hoosier students to learn more about and explore potential careers while also perfecting their skills for the future."
Approved students will receive $5,000 over four disbursements and can use the money toward certain qualified expenses:
According to State Rep. Lindsay Patterson (R-Brookville), approved courses and classes, which are listed on the online application, can be in accounting, cybersecurity, information technology, software development, veterinary science and more.
"Every school year, there are so many Hoosier students looking for early opportunities to get their foot in the door with an employer and build their resumes," Patterson said. "These scholarships remove financial barriers that may have stood in their way, making it easier to access work-based learning and take classroom knowledge into a real-world setting."
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.
"Whether it's apprenticeships or outside courses, these opportunities can come with a cost for families," said State Rep. Randy Lyness (R-West Harrison). "Now, through Career Scholarships, some of the financial burden can be lifted, so students have more opportunities to boost their skills while still in high school."
"High school is an incredibly important time for students to find out about career paths and what areas spark their interest," said State Rep. Zach Payne (R-Charlestown). "That's why scholarships like these are so helpful, because they not only ease the burden of pursuing work-based learning, but they can also help pave the way for a good job right out of school."
"Students with a variety of career interests can take advantage of this new scholarship opportunity," said State Rep. Karen Engleman (R-Georgetown). "Whether you want to pursue a two- or four-year degree, or enter the workforce after graduation, this could be an excellent way to help prepare for your next step."
To learn more about Career Scholarship Accounts and enroll before the Oct. 1 deadline, click here. For more information, visit in.gov/tos/csa, email CSA@tos.in.gov or call 317-232-0723.
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State Rep. Karen Engleman (R-Georgetown) represents House District 70,
which includes all of Harrison County, and portions of Clark, Floyd and Washington counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Randy Lyness (R-West Harrison) represents House District 68,
which includes all of Dearborn, Ohio and Switzerland counties, and a portion of Jefferson County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Jennifer Meltzer (R-Shelbyville) represents House District 73,
which includes portions of Bartholomew, Decatur, Jennings 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.
State Rep. Zach Payne (R-Charlestown) represents House District 66,
which includes portions of Clark, Jefferson and Scott counties.
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State Rep. Alex Zimmerman (R-North Vernon) represents House District 67,
which includes portions of Decatur, Jefferson, Jennings and Ripley counties.
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