Indiana’s Career Scholarship Accounts maxed out this year with hundreds of students on the waitlist, a sharp contrast to last year’s effort.
The CSAprogram provides up to $5,000 to high school sophomores to seniors per school per year. The scholarships pay for career preparation programs such as internships and apprenticeships. This year, State Treasurer Daniel Elliott said 1,900 students enrolled, and the waitlist includes hundreds of students around the state. Applications were supposed to close Oct. 1.
“I think what you're going to find is, there's going to be even more demand next year, and even more demand the year after that,” Elliott said.
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The Treasurer’s Office, the Commission for Higher Education and the Indiana Department of Education collaborate for the program. Last year only about 200 students enrolled. Elliott credits the spike to more preparation time. He said the three state organizations had more time to get the word out and bring in employers.
“That was our biggest struggle, finding these employers,” Elliott said. “Once we were able to start connecting to these folks who could help place these kids in internships and apprenticeship programs, then that just opened up very quickly.”
The CSA program covers expenses from work-based learning. Students can put the funds toward mechanical, electrical, cyber-security, automotive and medical jobs, though the program isn’t limited to just skilled trades.
“You're really looking at a broad swath of people in a lot of different industries,” Elliott said. “Because there's a lot of skills that are just needed right now."
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The funds cover tuition, exam fees, some transportation costs and equipment costs. It can help cover driver’s license fees.
Elliott said the largest expenses include tools, scrubs and work boots.
“You're not kind of sitting off on the sideline because you don't have the right equipment, or you don't have the right protective gear,” Elliott said.
The program currently receives more than $9 million in funding from the state. Elliott said it could use more to help waitlisted students and grow the program to new students. He said the CSA program could use $15 million, $25 million or even $50 million — but that might not be “a realistic ask.”
“I think we're going to be able to go to the General Assembly next year and say, ‘Here are the numbers,’” Elliott said.
Elliott said families can call or email the Treasurer of State’s Office and ask for help. Employers and interested organizations can do the same, he said.
“I would say, look into it,” Elliott said. “We will happily connect students and employers together.”
Aubrey is our higher education reporter and a Report For America corps member. Contact her at aubmwrig@iu.edu or follow her on X @aubreymwright .
