WYRZ.org 98.9 WYRZ – The Voice of Hendricks County
STATEHOUSE (Oct. 31, 2019) – Hendricks Countylegislators encourage aspiring teachers planning or pursuing a degree in education to apply for the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship.
Current high school seniors, college freshmen and college sophomores can earn a renewable scholarship of up to $7,500 each year for four academic years, totaling $30,000. Scholarship recipients must maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA and complete at least 30 credit hours per year, and commit to teaching for five consecutive years in Indiana after earning their degree.
State Rep. Bob Behning (R-Indianapolis) supported legislation establishing the scholarship in order to attract more high-achieving students to pursue a career in Hoosier classrooms.
“You don’t have to go far from your hometown to find a rewarding career like being an educator,” Behning said. “Everyone remembers their favorite teacher who helped them become who they are today. This scholarship helps fill our classrooms with high-quality Hoosier educators who will inspire future generations.”
State Rep. Greg Steuerwald (R-Avon) said applicants must be in the top 20 percent of their high school graduating class or have earned a score in the top 20th percentile on the SAT or ACT. Interested students should be nominated by a teacher and submit a nomination form with their application, which is available at ScholarTrack.IN.gov.
“Already, more than 25 students from Hendricks County have earned this scholarship,” Steuerwald said. “This is a great opportunity for talented students in our community to save on college costs while preparing to teach in Hoosier classrooms.”
State Rep. Jeff Thompson (R-Lizton) said the scholarship has already helped more than 40 Hoosiers become licensed teachers. Last year, 393 students applied, with applications from 212 high schools representing 82 of Indiana’s 92 counties.
“Being a retired teacher, I have experienced the joy of watching students excel in their studies and progress into successful adults,” Thompson said. “Teaching is one of the most gratifying careers you can have, and we need more of our young people to use their talents to teach.”
To apply before the Nov. 30 deadline, visit www.LearnMoreIndiana.org/nextteacher. Thompson said finalists will be named by Jan. 10, 2020, to be interviewed in Indianapolis on March 14, 2020. Recipients will be notified by April 3, 2020.
