By State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond)
As our state economy continues to grow and change, the importance of work-based learning will only increase. As it does, the Indiana Career Scholarship Account (CSA) program will become more important in our efforts to prepare the workforce of tomorrow. Established by a law I sponsored in 2023, the program provides a $5,000 grant to allow high school students to participate in work-based learning opportunities as a supplement to their regular high school courses.
We have already seen significant growth in the program, which went from about 200 students in 2023 to 1,900 this year. This was the maximum capacity for the program, but the interest is high enough that hundreds more students across the state signed up for the program’s waitlist long before the actual application deadline of Oct. 1.
The CSA program provides increased flexibility, as a CSA family can choose to use the money to work with any state-approved work program of their own choosing.
In this way, CSAs level the playing field and make sure as many students as possible have access to internships, apprenticeships and other opportunities.
Giving students the opportunity to get work-based learning experiences prior to graduation will be extremely helpful preparing them for the future, whether they decide to go to a university or trade school, enlist in the military or enter the workforce.
For more information on the CSA program, you can visit the Treasurer of State website. While enrollment is full this year, interested families can be on the lookout for the next CSA application window in 2025.
Constituents can reach out to me with any questions or concerns they may have by filling out a "Contact Me" form on the IndianaSenateRepublicans.com/Raatz website or by phone at 800-382-9467.
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State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) represents Senate District 27, which includes
Henry, Union and Wayne counties, and portions of Franklin County.
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