Indiana just became a national leader in college access. Here’s why that matters.

By ADRIANA HARRINGTON
Guest Columnist

Indiana has long been a trailblazer in giving students more control over their education – whether through robust school choice, innovative career and technical training, or a growing portfolio of scholarship programs.

Now, the state is poised to lead once again with a new approach to college and career access.

Gov. Mike Braun recently announced a groundbreaking initiative that will connect students who graduate with the honors plus diploma for enrollment, enlistment or employment with tremendous opportunities. The announcement is the result of years of work by lawmakers and Secretary of Education Katie Jenner to take Indiana’s high school experience to the next level.

Depending which honors plus diploma students pursue, they will gain admission to Indiana’s public colleges and universities, earn college credit and access mentoring and priority job placement programs in the Indiana National Guard, or connect with career support through Ascend Indiana, including interviews with top employers.

This is more than a headline – it’s the most comprehensive diploma redesign in the country, and it has the potential to transform outcomes for thousands of Hoosier students. The new policy doesn’t hand out a free pass; it rewards students who’ve done the work.

Let’s dig into the enrollment incentive. By tying guaranteed college admission to the completion of the enrollment honors plus diploma, the state is sending a powerful message: if you meet the bar, the door to opportunity will be open. No complicated applications, no hidden requirements – just a clear path forward.

That clarity matters. For many students – especially those who are the first in their families to go to college – navigating the transition from high school to higher education can feel like learning a new language.  Indiana’s new policy cuts through that confusion and replaces it with certainty and momentum.

Critics have argued that automatic college admission lowers standards. Indiana’s approach does the opposite. The new high school redesign diploma is intentionally designed to be rigorous and aligned to postsecondary expectations. It requires students to take advanced coursework and demonstrate readiness – academically and otherwise – for the demands of college.

The initiative doesn’t stop with college-bound students; it recognizes that success looks different for every student. Under the new plan, Indiana graduates pursuing careers or military service will benefit from automatic connections to renowned employers or enlistment opportunities. Whether a student’s next step is a high-demand job, an apprenticeship or service in the Armed Forces, the state is committed to making that transition just as seamless.

It’s a powerful, student-centered approach that builds on a strong foundation.

The state’s Next Level Programs of Study and the Indiana GPS framework give students earlier and better-aligned exposure to career and college pathways. Career Scholarship Accounts give high school students access to $5,000 to pursue apprenticeships, career training or credentialing aligned to high-wage, high-demand fields. And Indiana families benefit from one of the most comprehensive school choice landscapes in the nation – ensuring students can find the learning environment that’s right for them.

Together, these initiatives reflect a clear vision: education in Indiana should be a launchpad, not a maze.

This policy is good for Indiana’s future. With a shrinking workforce and rising demand for skilled professionals, Indiana needs more students to complete high-quality postsecondary credentials – whether in college, career training or a combination of both. By helping students maintain momentum after high school, this approach ensures talent doesn’t fall through the cracks.

The potential impact is significant. According to the Indiana Commission for Higher Education, only 53 percent of Indiana high school graduates go straight to college and in 2021 only 5.5 percent of grade 12 students earned a high-quality college and career credential. But research shows that many more are capable. This policy gives student the nudge they need take the next step.

Governor Braun’s proposal is a win for students, a win for families and a win for Indiana’s economy. It sends the message that if you work hard and meet clear expectations, the state has your back.

Adriana Harrington is the Managing Director of Policy for ExcelinEd, a national education nonprofit.