Goodrich
The Indiana House of Representatives advanced on Tuesday State Rep. Chuck Goodrich’s (R-Noblesville) bill to expand work-based learning access in Indiana.
If passed, House Bill 1001 would expand the Frank O’Bannon Grant and the 21st Century Scholarship beyond traditional college coursework to include job training. Goodrich said this bill would provide opportunities for Hoosiers who may not be interested in pursuing a two- or four-year degree, to use these funds to skill up and obtain high-demand job.
“We know that college isn’t for everyone and that there are numerous opportunities like apprenticeships and other work-based learning experiences that can open up new pathways for students to learn the skills they need,” said Goodrich, a member of the House Education Committee. “Expanding what our students can do with these scholarships will help ensure more Hoosiers are better prepared for jobs today and into the future.”
Goodrich said this bill builds on a law he authored during the 2023 legislative session, creating Career Scholarship Accounts for Hoosier students to pay for career training, apprenticeships, certifications, and internships. These accounts 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 to remove barriers to accessing these experiences.
HB 1001 now heads to the Indiana Senate for further consideration. For more information, or to watch session and committees live, visit iga.in.gov.