The Indiana Career Scholarship Account (CSA) is a state-sponsored scholarship program that allows Indiana high school students to attend career preparation courses free of charge.
Three main agencies work together to make the CSA program possible: the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) approves participating programs, the Indiana Commission for Higher Education (CHE) approves eligible providers, and the Indiana Treasurer of State (TOS) approves students and expenses.
Alongside other school district, employer, and postsecondary education institution entities, intermediary entities like Wend Care assist students in applying and enrolling in relevant programs.
Eligible programs can include:
- Internships
- Apprenticeships
- Applied learning experiences
- Credential attainment experiences
There are a variety of CSA-eligible programs throughout the state in a number of different industries, but Wend Care’s focus remains on connecting students to healthcare certification programs.
The main requirements of a CSA program dictate that it must:
- Be employer-driven
- Culminate in credentials of value (such as a CNA certification)
- Include work-based learning (like completing clinical hours)
- Support high school graduation requirements
- Be aligned to career and college
Students that receive funding from the Indiana Career Scholarship Account are under no obligation to pay back their tuition or work for a certain employer following the completion of their program.
This means that students that complete a CSA program can use their new certification to begin working right after their high school graduation or they can reference the program on their college applications. Either way, the Career Scholarship Account allows students to gain valuable experience that will help shape their futures!
As for specific funding, the CSA covers all program-related costs for students, including tuition, materials, uniforms, and more.
By removing the financial barriers to participation in career preparation courses, the CSA program makes it possible for students of all backgrounds to gain access to career preparation.
To qualify, a student must:
- Be a resident of Indiana
- Be in grade 10, 11, or 12 at an Indiana public or private school
- Apply by the October 1st deadline
Accepted students learn vital patient care skills, earn course credits, and become CNA certified throughout a course that focuses on work-based learning.
Applications are open from April 15th - October 1st, and only about 2,000 scholarships will be distributed throughout the state.
To learn more about the Indiana Career Scholarship Account, connect with one of Wend Care’s career counselors, or start your application process, click “Apply” in our app or send us a message here.
