Students win state higher education grants

July 18, 2026 - 19:17

Sixteen students from across Northwest Indiana have been selected to receive the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship, a state-funded program aimed at attracting top talent to the teaching profession. The scholarship provides up to $7,500 per year for up to four years of college, with recipients committing to teach in Indiana for at least five years after graduation.

The award is competitive, requiring applicants to have graduated in the top 20 percent of their high school class or earned a minimum SAT or ACT score. Recipients also must maintain a 3.0 GPA in college and pursue a teaching license in a high-need subject area, such as special education, math, or science.

Local winners include students from Lake, Porter, and LaPorte counties, representing schools such as Chesterton High School, Valparaiso High School, and Michigan City High School. Several recipients plan to teach elementary education, while others aim for secondary-level positions in STEM fields.

State officials say the scholarship is part of a broader effort to address teacher shortages across Indiana. Since the program launched in 2016, more than 2,000 students have received the award. The latest group of winners will begin their studies this fall at various Indiana colleges and universities, including Purdue University, Indiana University, and Ball State University.