State Treasurer Daniel Elliott praises success of initiative to support workforce development
The Indiana Department of Finance announced Thursday that all allocated Indiana Career Scholarship Account (CSA) scholarship funds for the 2024-2025 school year have been distributed.
This CSA milestone marks an important achievement in the state’s ongoing efforts to prepare Indiana residents for high-demand, high-paying jobs in critical industries such as health care, information technology, advanced manufacturing and logistics.
CSAs are state-funded scholarships tailored to remove barriers to entry for students to pursue their interests in their desired career-preparatory programs. Eligible programs include internships, apprenticeships, applied learning experiences, and certificate-earning experiences. This year, 1,900 students were awarded $5,000 each. Upon graduating from their programs, these high school students will be able to seamlessly enter the workforce.
Elliot
“This program has proven its value time and time again by giving Indiana residents the opportunity to gain the skills they need to succeed,” said State Treasurer Daniel Elliott. “I am proud to see the strong interest and engagement from so many people who are eager to carve out their own careers and invest in their futures in Indiana.”
Through Indiana’s CSA program, Indiana residents who are high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors are eligible to receive funding to access critical training, certification, and work-based learning opportunities. All providers and educational opportunities must be approved by the Indiana Commission on Higher Education and the Indiana Department of Education for students to access funds. The program is focused on aligning workforce development with the state’s economic needs, ensuring participants receive training in fields critical to Indiana’s continued economic growth.
A growing impact
Since its inception, the CSA program has provided hundreds of Indiana residents with a path to education and certification without financial barriers, resulting in more skilled Indiana workers eager to contribute to the industries that underpin the state’s economic future. The program’s growing impact is a testament to its success, promising to brighten the state’s workforce outlook and instilling a sense of pride for all involved.
“We’ve been thrilled with the positive response from both participants and employers,” said Tina Ketzel, CSA Program Executive Director. “It shows that when we invest in our youth, we’re also investing in Indiana’s future.”
The Indiana Career Scholarship Account was established as part of a broader high school redesign initiative to close education and skills gaps so Indianans are prepared for life after graduation. Recently, the state Legislature passed a revised version of the bill for the 2024 legislative session. House Enrolled Bill 1001, authored by State Rep. Chuck Goodrich (R-Noblesville), allows students to supplement their CSA funds with a combination of 21st Century Scholars Program and other grants.
Applicants who missed out on the opportunity to join the program this year are encouraged to apply again next year. The program looks forward to welcoming new participants and watching them on their journey to successful careers.
For more information about the Indiana Career Scholarship Account, visit in.gov/tos/csa , contact the Indiana State Treasury Department at (317) 232-0723 or email CSA@tos.in.gov .