Morrison, Heaton support bill to expand work-based learning

Posted Tuesday, March 7, 2023, at 12:06 PM

STATEHOUSE (March 7, 2023) – State Reps. Alan Morrison (R-Brazil) and Bob Heaton (R-Terre Haute) recently supported a bill to expand work-based learning opportunities in high schools around the state.

Morrison said House Bill 1002 would create Career Scholarship Accounts for Hoosier students to pay for career training, apprenticeships, certifications and internships. The legislation would also allow quality, work-based learning to count toward high school graduation requirements and create a framework for students to earn a post-secondary credential.

"There can be cost barriers to accessing workforce training just like there are for college," Morrison said. "Providing this funding can help students explore relevant career fields and get hands-on experience to better prepare them for the job market."

Heaton said Career Scholarship Accounts could be used by sophomores, juniors and seniors to enroll in earn-and-learn opportunities, as well as to pay for items like transportation and uniforms to remove barriers to accessing these experiences. The Indiana Department of Education would approve available courses and tracks, and accounts would be awarded $5,000 under the recently proposed House Republican budget.

"Work-based learning opportunities, like internships and apprenticeships, are essential in preparing students for the workforce," said Heaton, chair of the House Ways and Means Higher Education Subcommittee. "This bill would open more pathways for Hoosier students to skill up while still in high school so they can be better prepared to land a job or further their training." Heaton said the proposed legislation could also incentivize schools and career centers to embrace more earn-and-learn partnerships. It would also task the State Board of Education with re-examining high school diploma requirements in order to provide more flexibility in a student’s schedule so they can pursue apprenticeships, applied learning experiences, work-based learning and credentials.

The legislation would also allow post-secondary scholarships, such as the Frank O'Bannon Grant and the 21st Century Scholarship, to be used for trainings provided by intermediaries, employers or a labor organization. Heaton said this would provide additional opportunities for Hoosiers, who may not be interested in college, to use these funds to skill up and be prepared for the modern workforce.

After passing the Indiana House of Representatives, House Bill 1002 is now with the Indiana Senate for further consideration. For more information about this legislation, visit iga.in.gov.

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State Rep. Bob Heaton (R-Terre Haute) represents House District 46, which includes all of Owen County, and portions of Clay, Monroe and Vigo counties.

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State Rep. Alan Morrison (R-Brazil) represents House District 42, which includes all of Parke and Vermillion counties, and portions of Clay, Fountain and Vigo counties.