Indiana Expands Support for Future Educators with New Scholarship
High school seniors and college students in Indiana aspiring to become educators can now apply for the expanded Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship. This initiative aims to provide significant financial support to future teachers as they pursue their degrees. Announced by Indiana State Representatives Jack Jordan (R-Bremen) and Jake Teshka (R-North Liberty), the scholarship offers $10,000 annually for up to four years to students committed to teaching in Indiana schools after graduation.
The announcement reflects a strategic effort by the state to retain local talent. “We want the very best teachers growing the minds of young Hoosiers, and that means keeping them in the state,” stated Jordan. The scholarship targets high-achieving students, specifically those ranked in the top 20% of their class or those with outstanding standardized test scores.
Applications for the 2026-2027 academic year are currently open, with a deadline set for January 31. Interested candidates can submit their applications via the Indiana Commission for Higher Education website.
Scholarship Enhancements and Legislative Support
Initiated in 2016, the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship has recently been enhanced. In 2023, the scholarship amount increased from $7,500 to $10,000, and the previous cap limiting recipients to 200 students per year has been removed. This change comes in response to the competitive nature of the scholarship, which saw over a thousand applications last year, resulting in nearly 300 awards.
As a member of the House Education Committee, Teshka praised the scholarship’s positive impact on Indiana’s teaching profession. “This scholarship helps identify and award some of our brightest and most talented students,” he explained. “Encouraging them to invest their talents in Indiana and in educating the next generation,” emphasizes the state’s commitment to fostering a robust educational environment.
The revisions to the scholarship program signal Indiana’s dedication to nurturing future educators, ensuring that high-quality teaching remains accessible within the state. By offering substantial financial support, the initiative aims to inspire individuals to pursue careers in education and stay within Indiana, contributing to the development of future generations.
