CSA program will continue to help Hoosier students succeed

By CHUCK GOORICH
Guest Columnist

Indiana is a state that works, but too many Hoosier high schoolers who would like to earn and learn on the job have not been able to do so at no fault of their own.

While serving as a State Legislator, one of the biggest issues I heard students run into was the lack of relevant, accessible, and impactful work-based learning opportunities in school. That is why I was proud to author legislation creating a first-of-its-kind Career Scholarship Account (CSA) program that tears down barriers that prevent our children from pursuing applied learning opportunities.

Developing additional pathways for students to explore career fields and gain hands-on experience is crucial to providing an education environment that is both relevant and beneficial to their future successes. The CSA is a critical program that provide access to work-based learning and high-need opportunities that will drive the job market of the future and foster impactful education right now for Hoosier students. Our children have the drive to learn, we just need to make sure they have the proper resources available to them to do so.

These scholarships can only help students if they can be effectively, efficiently and securely distributed to their families to make choices that best fit their educational journey. While other states have bounced back and forth between education expense systems, Indiana from the beginning has had a near seamless process that has empowered our students while protecting taxpayers. The integrity of the CSA is paramount to ensuring all taxpayer dollars are spent wisely so we must always fully assess what is working here against what is working, or not working, in other states.

Right now, our state CSA program has been diligently implemented by State Treasurer Daniel Elliot. Indiana’s past success in education has always hinged on smart partnerships and solid execution, and we must continue to build on this. I am excited to see Secretary Katie Jenner will continue to build upon her and Treasurer Elliot’s success with these programs into the next Administration. I expect to see this program’s continued funding and high utilization so we must ensure its continued efficiency and secure implementation.

Where other states have seemed to go wrong in this area is changing systems “for the sake of change.” The easiest way to balloon the budget for programs is to try to find greener pastures that often do not exist. Indiana has always ensured that student education expense accounts are safe, effective, and responsible. I trust our leaders will continue to make this a priority going forward and look forward to their continued success in providing these opportunities.

We, as a state, must not miss our opportunity to expand educational opportunities for all Hoosiers. On-the-job learning is an invaluable resource to students, especially to those who value learning outside the classroom. There is no better way to prepare our students for the workforce than to help our most enterprising and entrepreneurial young students have access to all meaningful occupational opportunities our state has to offer.

The continued success of our CSA program will provide even more students with the hands-on education programs they deserve.

Chuck Goodrich serves as the Chief Executive Office of Gaylor Electric, Inc.