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

Posted by: Kylie Glatfelter  | Thursday, June 6, 2024

STATEHOUSE (June 6, 2024) – State Reps. David Abbott (R-Rome City) and Chris Judy (R-Fort Wayne) encourage high school students who want to pursue work-based learning and credentials to apply for a Career Scholarship Account.

Abbott 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.

"The schools in our communities are doing a great job at providing hands-on learning opportunities to young Hoosiers to better equip them with the skills they will need when heading out into the workforce or to college," Abbott said. "These scholarships were created to ease the financial burdens so students can pursue apprenticeships or certifications."

Judy 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.

"Whether students pursue college or enter the workforce, the training opportunities offered by the CSA program pave the way for a promising future for young Hoosiers," Judy said. "Earning certifications and credentials during high school will put these students ahead of others when choosing their career path."

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. David Abbott (R-Rome City) represents House District 18,
which includes portions of Elkhart, Kosciusko, Noble and Whitley counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.

State Rep. Chris Judy (R-Fort Wayne) represents House District 83,
which includes portions of Allen and Whitley counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.