Education in Indiana just received a boost, as local students gearing up to enter the teaching profession have become the latest beneficiaries of the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship. Reports from State Reps. Craig Haggard (R-Mooresville) and Peggy Mayfield (R-Martinsville) confirm that the scholarship initiative, originated by the Indiana General Assembly back in 2016, is continuing to support aspiring educators.
The program offers up to a handsome $40,000 in renewable scholarships, with the stipulation being that recipients teach in an eligible Indiana school for a minimum of five years. This year, a whopping 1,091 students applied, marking a record in applications for the 2025-2026 academic year. Out of that pool, roughly 300 scholarships were awarded. Haggard has said, "Becoming a teacher takes both heart and discipline, and these students have already shown they're up to the task," according to a statement.
Local scholarship recipients include Cooper Baker from Franklin Central High School, Kaitlyn Mattocks of Monrovia High School, Carly Mendez hailing from Franklin Community High School, Suzanna Paul of Mooresville High School, and Avery Werne of Martinsville High School. The state representatives recognize the importance of nurturing educators as they are the backbone to communities and influential in the growth of young minds.
Eligibility for this scholarship mandates students to graduate in the top 20 percent of their high school class, secure a score in the 20th percentile on standardized tests such as the SAT or ACT, or maintain at minimum a 3.0 cumulative GPA. "Strong, dedicated teachers reinforce the student and family unit and contribute to creating robust communities," Mayfield has highlighted, and congratulated the scholars for preparing to embark upon such a career.
As the new school year approaches, students interested in the scholarship can look to apply in the fall. For more information or to prepare to potentially secure a scholarship for themselves, visit LearnMoreIndiana.org/nextteacher or reach out by email at [email protected].
