For the past eight years, the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship has reduced financial barriers for those who aim to become teachers. However, the program left some barriers in place, and Indiana still has a significant number of open jobs for educators and not enough applicants.
That is why I sponsored House Enrolled Act 1528 (2023) and House Enrolled Act 1042 (2024), which make the program more flexible and helps Hoosiers become teachers later in life.
HEA 1528 (2023) allowed those enrolled in transition to teaching programs to apply for a Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship under certain conditions, in exchange for working five years at a public or other eligible Indiana school. The total amount granted under this program for transition to teaching scholarships could not exceed $1 million.
Thanks to this law, we had a record-breaking 945 applicants to the program this year, which was a 58% increase, and 300 students received the scholarship.
HEA 1042 (2024) allowed any additional funds left in the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship fund to be used for additional transition to teaching scholarships. It also made sure students in greater financial need were prioritized for the scholarship.
This scholarship has greatly impacted schools across the state by addressing the financial barriers to becoming a teacher, and this new law makes sure we steward Hoosier taxpayer dollars well and help those who decide to become a teacher later in life.
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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