State Rep. Chuck Goodrich’s (R-Noblesville) legislation was recently signed into law to help boost work-based learning opportunities and access in Indiana.
Goodrich said the new law build 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. House Enrolled Act 1001 extends the application window for students to apply for these scholarships and expands use of the funds to include driver’s training classes. According to Goodrich, transportation is a critical barrier to applied learning opportunities because they usually take place in businesses or other unique learning environments outside of the school.
“Creating additional pathways for high school students to explore career fields and gain hands-on skills is critical to making their education more relevant and beneficial,” said Goodrich, a member of the House Education Committee. “Over the summer, we heard numerous students ran into transportation problems while getting to and from these work-based learning opportunities, and this new law will help more of them access these experiences.”
The application window for the CSA program is currently closed but will reopen later in 2024. To learn more about the program, visit in.gov/tos/csa.
Goodrich said this new law also expands eligibility for Education Scholarship Accounts, which helps students with disabilities access educational environment that best meets their learning needs. Funding can be used for approved educational programs, therapies, services, tuition and fees, and other education-related expenses. Under HEA 1001, ESAs could be used by the siblings of students who have disabilities, even if those siblings do not have a disability. According to Goodrich, this change empowers more Hoosier parents choose the best educational option for their child.
Goodrich said applications for Indiana’s ESA program are now open through Sept. 1. To learn more, visit in.gov/tos/inesas.
To follow other legislation signed into law by the governor, visit in.gov/gov/newsroom/2024-bill-watch.