STATEHOUSE (June 27, 2025) – Hendricks County students preparing to become teachers are among this year’s recipients of the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship, according to local lawmakers.
The scholarship program, established in 2016 through legislation passed by the Indiana General Assembly, awards a renewable scholarship of up to $10,000 per year (up to $40,000 total) to high-achieving high school and college students who agree to teach in an eligible Indiana school for five years. A record-breaking 1,091 students applied for the 2025-2026 Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship, with nearly 300 scholarships awarded.
“It’s great to see so many local students choosing to pursue this crucial role in young people’s lives,” said State Rep. Greg Steuerwald (R-Avon). “They will have a pivotal part in shaping the next generation of Hoosiers.”
“As a former teacher, I’ve experienced how much these public servants leave a lasting impression on students,” said State Rep. Jeff Thompson (R-Lizton). “With so many bright young minds pursuing this profession, I’m confident our classrooms will remain in good hands.”
This year, these local students were among the scholarship recipients:
- Sydney Beecham, Brownsburg High School;
- Nora Brock, Cascade Senior High School;
- Ashley Crabtree, Avon High School;
- Grace Dalton, Brownsburg High School;
- Emma Healy, Cascade Senior High School;
- Grace Huff, Brownsburg High School;
- Leah Middleton, Tri-West Senior High School;
- James Settle, Brownsburg High School;
- Hannah Skaggs, Plainfield High School;
- Perla Tecan Cruz, Avon High School;
- Addie Thompson, Tri-West Senior High School; and
- Emma Walter, Avon High School.
“Becoming a teacher takes both heart and discipline, and these students have already shown they’re up to the task,” said State Rep. Craig Haggard (R-Mooresville). “This scholarship gives them a head start in serving future students.”
State Rep. Becky Cash (R-Zionsville) said those qualifying for the scholarship must graduate in the top 20 percent of their high school class, earn a score in the 20th percentile on the SAT or ACT, or have a cumulative grade point average of at least a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
“I want to congratulate these hard-working students on receiving this scholarship that will help them pursue their degree in education,” said Cash, a member of the House Education Committee. “Assisting Indiana’s best and brightest with their college education will benefit future students throughout the state.”
To learn more and apply for the next round of scholarships opening in the fall, visit LearnMoreIndiana.org/nextteacher. Questions may be directed to NextTeacher@che.in.gov.
