Nearly 300 Indiana students awarded teaching scholarships following record applications
Nearly 300 Hoosier students will receive up to $40,000 each to pursue careers in education through the state's Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship program, higher education officials announced this week.
The Indiana Commission for Higher Education awarded 295 awards for the 2025–26 academic year. The renewable scholarship provides up to $10,000 per year for four years. In exchange, recipients agree to teach for five years at an eligible Indiana school or repay a prorated amount.
Now in its ninth year, the program aims to address the state's ongoing teacher shortage by supporting students committed to staying in the profession.
'Teachers inspire confidence in the next generation and prepare students for future career success,' said Indiana Commissioner for Higher Education Chris Lowery. 'The Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship is a key strategy to build Indiana's future teacher workforce with high-quality talent. The students selected for this opportunity have the passion and determination to make a difference in classrooms across the state.'
The 2025-2026 application cycle drew a record 1,091 applicants — a 15% increase over last year — from 326 high schools across 89 of Indiana's 92 counties, according to CHE. Of those applicants, 73% were high school seniors and the rest were current college students.
State lawmakers expanded the annual scholarships in 2023, increasing awards from $7,500 to $10,000. The previous 200-recipient cap was also lifted, and a one‑time $10,000 grant was introduced for students enrolled in approved 'transition to teach' programs.
Funding for the program was reduced in the state's new two-year budget passed earlier this year, however, with annual appropriations dropping from $12 million to $11.4 million. The cut was part of broader budget cuts across state government. It's not yet clear how the reduced funding might affect future scholarship awards.
To qualify, students must meet academic criteria including ranking in the top 20% of their high school class, earning a 3.0 GPA or better, or scoring in the top 20th percentile on the SAT or ACT. Scholarship recipients must maintain a 3.0 GPA and complete at least 30 credit hours per year to remain eligible while in college.
The full list of scholarship recipients by county is available online at che.in.gov.
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