Latest news with #ChrisLowery
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Nearly 300 Indiana students awarded teaching scholarships following record applications
An Indiana teacher reads to her class. (Courtesy Indiana State Teachers Association) 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 SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Shoals High School honored as Indiana's school of excellence
SHOALS, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Shoals High School was named a 2024 School of Excellence. The Indiana Commission for Higher Education announced Wednesday that Shoals High School was recognized as Indiana's American College Application Campaign School of Excellence Award winner. The high school in Martin County is one of 26 schools nationwide recognized for its commitment to postsecondary student success, specifically for students from low-income backgrounds. According to a media release from the Indiana Commission for Higher Education, awardees are selected based on their participation in their state's college application campaign. Education News: Students commemorate Holocaust victims on Remembrance Day Shoals High School has a senior class of 45 students. Together, seniors filled out a combined 85 college applications during the campaign. In addition and as part of the campaign students from Shoals elementary, middle, and high schools participated in Indiana's 'College GO! Week' activities each day. 'The Commission congratulates Shoals High School on this incredible accomplishment,' Indiana Commissioner for Higher Education Chris Lowery stated. 'Our state needs partners like Shoals to encourage students to pursue their postsecondary plans so we can promote economic and social prosperity for all Hoosiers. Thank you to the educators, counselors, and administrators at Shoals for your exemplary participation in this year's initiative.' 'We are honored to receive the School of Excellence Award at Shoals High School,' Early College Director Megan Hawkins stated. 'We are blessed to have staff who provide resources, guidance, and love for students for their college and career ambitions. We are proud to continue to empower students as they take the next steps toward their futures; as it is the students who empower and motivate us.' Education News: Nerd Herd heads back to robotics world stage College Application Week is part of Indiana's annual College GO! initiative. It takes place every August through November. This was Indiana's 11th year participating in the initiative. 32 Indiana colleges and universities waived college application fees during the campaign. 'There's something that's so rewarding about seeing our state coordinators take part in helping students navigate the admission process,' ACAC Director Lisa King stated. To learn more about Indiana's College GO! program, visit Learn More Indiana's website by clicking here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
21-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Local university professionals to assist in FAFSA filing at College Goal Sunday
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – Financial aid professionals from Ivy Tech, the University of Southern Indiana and the University of Evansville will be assisting collegebound students and their families to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid as part of College Goal Sunday at the Carter Library on the Ivy Tech Evansville campus. 'Indiana was a nationwide leader last year in maintaining the FAFSA-filing rate from 2023 to 2024,' said Indiana Commissioner for Higher Education Chris Lowery. 'The FAFSA is a gateway to unlock potential career options, improved social and financial outcomes for individuals, strengthening Indiana's talent pipeline and enhancing our communities as a whole.' FAFSA applications are required for students to be considered for federal and state grants, many scholarships and federal student loans at most colleges and universities. Filings must be completed by April 15 in the Hoosier State. College Goal Sunday will take place on February, fro 2 to 4 p.m.. Students are asked to attend the event with their parents or guardians and to have them bring completed 2023 IRS 1040 tax returns, W-2 forms and other 2023 income and benefits information. Students who worked should also bring their income information. Students 24-years-old or older may attend alone and bring their completed tax return information. Students who attend the event may also be entered in a drawing for one of five $1,000 scholarships. For more information, visit the College Goal Sunday website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
