Indy Standard

Gov. Eric Holcomb on Thursday ceremonially signed into law State Rep. Chuck Goodrich's (R-Noblesville) legislation aimed at ensuring more Hoosier high schoolers have access to work-based learning opportunities.

Goodrich stated that House Enrolled Act 1001 extends the application window for students to apply for the Career Scholarship Account and expands the use of the funds to include driver's training classes. According to Goodrich, transportation can be a critical barrier to applied learning opportunities because they usually take place in businesses or other unique learning environments outside of the classroom.

"Providing more hands-on learning opportunities outside of classroom instruction can help students be better prepared to enter college or the workforce," Goodrich said. "These scholarships pave the way for high schoolers to explore industries they are interested in, and this new law will help more young Hoosiers access these opportunities."

Goodrich noted that the new law builds off his work last year to create Career Scholarship Accounts, which can 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. The application window for the CSA program is currently open.

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.

Goodrich also mentioned that this new law expands eligibility for Education Scholarship Accounts, which help students with disabilities access the educational environment that meets their learning needs. Funding can be used for approved programs, therapies, services, tuition and fees, and other education-related expenses. Under HEA 1001, ESAs could be used by the siblings of students with disabilities, even if those siblings do not have a disability. According to Goodrich, this change empowers more Hoosier parents to choose the best educational option for their child.

Applications for Indiana's ESA program are now open through Sept. 1. To learn more, visit in.gov/tos/inesas.

For additional information on HEA 1001, visit iga.in.gov.