Applications Now Open For Next Generation Hoosier Educator Scholarship

Future Indiana Teachers Are Encouraged To Apply By Jan. 31

 STATEHOUSE (Nov.16, 2021) – Vanderburgh County lawmakers encourage local students planning to pursue a career in education to apply for the state’s teaching scholarship.

State Rep. Tim O’Brien (R-Evansville) said applications are now being accepted for the 2022-2023 Next Generation Hoosier Educator Scholarship, which pays $7,500 per year for up to four years to students earning a teaching degree and who commit to teaching in Indiana for at least five years. The deadline to apply is Jan. 31.

“Investing in our teachers is integral to achieving the best education for our students,” O’Brien said. “Hoosiers with a passion for teaching should consider applying for this scholarship.”

The scholarship is available to 200 high-achieving high school and college students each year who either graduate in the top 20 percent of their class or earn a score in the top 20th percentile on the SAT or ACT. To continue earning the scholarship in college, students must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid each year, earn a 3.0 cumulative GPA and complete at least 30 credit hours per year. Current college students who apply must be able to use the scholarship for at least two full academic years.

“Indiana must continue to recruit high-achieving students to pursue a career in teaching,” said State Rep. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville). “Scholarship recipients must commit to teaching in a Hoosier classroom for at least five years, which helps Indiana retain top-notch educators.”

In 2020, 439 students applied for the scholarship, with applications from 231 high schools in 84 counties. Nearly three-quarters of applicants were Indiana high school seniors with the remainder comprised of current college students.

“Hundreds of Hoosier students have benefited from this scholarship since its launch in 2017,” said State. Rep. Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka). “Past recipients are already making a positive impact on our state’s education system.”

Last year, Vanderburgh County’s recipients were Taylor Gerth, of Mater Dei High School, Grace Martin, of Reitz Memorial High School and Abigail Woebkenberg, of Central High School.