STATEHOUSE (March 23, 2023) – The Indiana House of Representatives advanced legislation supported by St. Joseph County legislators to expand work-based learning opportunities in high schools around the state.
State Rep. Dale DeVon (R-Granger) 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.
"The scholarship accounts would be a great way for students to cover costs as they participate in hands-on learning," DeVon said. "Students would have a better head start when joining the workforce by building critical skills while still in school."
State Rep. Jake Teshka (R-South Bend) 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.
"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."
According to State Rep. Tim Wesco (R-Osceola), the proposed legislation could also incentivize schools and career centers to embrace more earn-and-learn partnerships. It would also task the State Board of Education 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.
"Participating in earn-and-learn opportunities will give students a head start when it comes time to enter the workforce," Wesco said. "This bill is about ensuring all students have an opportunity to succeed after graduation regardless of the track they take."
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. This would provide additional opportunities for Hoosiers, who may not interested in college, to use these funds to skill up and be prepared for the modern workforce.
House Bill 1002 is now with the Indiana Senate where it has been referred to the Senate Committee on Education and Career Development for further consideration. For more information about this legislation, visit iga.in.gov.
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State Rep. Dale DeVon (R-Granger) represents House District 5,
which includes a portion of St. Joseph County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Jake Teshka (R-South Bend) represents House District 7,
which includes portions of LaPorte, Marshall and St. Joseph counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Tim Wesco (R-Osceola) represents House District 21,
which includes portions of Elkhart and St. Joseph counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
