Students could earn scholarships through community service work
State Senator Karen Tallian (D-Portage) announced today a proposal to establish a new community service program for Indiana college students. Through the creation of The Hoosier Youth Corps Program, Sen. Tallian says students could earn scholarships for college in Indiana through their work in valuable community service internships.
“The Hoosier Youth Corps Program would give students an opportunity to invest in their community, while earning valuable experience and cash to help pay for their classes,” Sen. Tallian said. “AmeriCorps is a very popular national program, providing a good model on how to help students become engaged, active citizens.”
Under Senate Bill (SB) 288, students taking part in the Hoosier Youth Corps Program would be eligible to participate in paid summer internships with state and local governments and nonprofit organizations working to help meet critical community needs. Students who successfully complete 30 hours per week of work for at least 10 weeks would be entitled to a grant of $2,500 or the cost of one year’s tuition to be used the following year at an approved higher education institution in Indiana.
The Hoosier Youth Corps Program would be similar to the federal AmeriCorps program, in which 700 Hoosiers annually participate. The purpose of the Hoosier Youth Corps Program, like AmeriCorps, would be to provide intensive results-driven service to meet education, environment, health, economic and other pressing needs in communities across Indiana. Since 1994, more than 10,000 Indiana residents have served more than 12 million hours and have qualified for Segal AmeriCorps Education Awards totaling more than $26.5 million. Likewise, the Hoosier Youth Corps Program would promote the scholastic and professional advancement and civil engagement of Indiana’s young adults through direct-service and scholarship.
For more information on Sen. Tallian, her legislative agenda or other State Senate business call 1-800-382-9467 or visit www.senatedemocrats.in.gov .