INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana House of Representatives recently advanced legislation supported by area lawmakers to expand work-based learning opportunities in high schools around the state.
State Rep. Ryan Lauer (R-Columbus) said House Bill 1002 would create Career Scholarship Accounts for Hoosier students to pay for career training, apprenticeships, and internships. It would also allow work-based learning to count toward high school graduation requirements so students can earn a post-secondary credential.
“Early learning opportunities are vital to guiding the future of our workforce and allowing students to explore possible career paths,” Lauer said. “This legislation would help students learn more about what they are passionate about and gain valuable experience.”
State Rep. Jim Lucas (R-Seymour) said Career Scholarship Accounts could be used by high schoolers to enroll in earn-and-learn opportunities and 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 proposal.
State Rep. Jennifer Meltzer (R-Shelbyville) said the proposed legislation could also incentivize schools and career centers to embrace more earn-and-learn partnerships. It would task the State Board of Education with re-examining high school diploma requirements to provide flexibility in a student’s schedule to pursue apprenticeships, applied learning, work-based learning, and credentials.
House Bill 1002 now heads to the Indiana Senate for further consideration.
