Local high school students are encouraged to participate in Career Scholarship Account program

STATEHOUSE   State Rep. Chris May (R-Bedford) encourages local 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.

Rep. May, who supported the new law creating the accounts, 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.

Rep. Chris May

“These work-based learning opportunities are in high-demand industries,” May said. “Training students in these essential roles prepares them for well-paying jobs while helping employers that need more workers.”

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.

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

  • Expenses to enroll in and attend sequences, courses, apprenticeships, or programs of study;
  • Career coaching and navigation services;
  • Postsecondary education and training;
  • Transportation and equipment;
  • Certification and credentialing examinations; and 
  • Any other expenses approved by the Treasurer of the State.

Approved courses and classes, which are listed on the online application, can be in accounting, cybersecurity, information technology, software development, veterinary science, and more.

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.

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.