Area students among nearly 300 Hoosiers to receive teaching scholarship

The Indiana Commission for Higher Education has provided nearly 300 scholarships in the ninth year of the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship.

Through a competitive application process based on academic achievement and additional criteria, the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship provides recipients a renewable scholarship of up to $10,000 per year (up to $40,000 total). In exchange, students agree to teach for five years at an eligible Indiana school or repay the corresponding, prorated amount of the scholarship.

“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.”

A record-breaking 1,091 students applied for the 2025-2026 Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship, a 15-percentage point increase over the previous year. Applications were received from students representing 326 high schools in 89 of Indiana’s 92 counties. Additionally, 73 percent of applicants were Indiana high school seniors with the remainder comprised of current college students.

To qualify for the scholarship, students must graduate in the top 20 percent of their high school class, earn a score in the 20th percentile on the SAT or ACT, or have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA. To continue earning the scholarship in college, students must earn a 3.0 cumulative GPA and complete at least 30 credit hours per year.

Among area students receiving scholarships (name, high school, college):

Regan McClain, Kokomo, Indiana University

Sydney Colescott, Kokomo, Indiana University - Kokomo

Alexandra Closson, Northwestern, Indiana University - Kokomo

Micah Irwin, Taylor, Indiana Wesleyan

London Younce, Western, Trine University