Indiana State University is celebrating the achievement of 16 incoming and current Sycamores who have been selected as recipients of the highly competitive 2026 Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship, a prestigious state-funded program designed to strengthen Indiana's future teacher workforce.
Awarded by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education, the renewable scholarship provides up to $10,000 annually or up to $40,000 over four years to students pursuing careers in education. In return, recipients commit to teaching for at least five years in an eligible Indiana school after graduation.
This year's scholarship was especially competitive, with nearly 1,100 applications submitted from students representing 323 Indiana high schools across 90 of Indiana's 92 counties. More than 300 future educators were selected statewide based on academic achievement and their commitment to the teaching profession.
Indiana State University's 2026 Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship recipients are:
- Alexis Blankenship – Riverton Parke Jr.-Sr. High School
- Sean Dickerhoof – Elkhart High School
- Nicolette Dukehart – North Central High School (Indianapolis)
- Jenna Farris – Northview High School
- Lennon Hanna – Princeton Community High School
- Adrianna Hillman – Castle High School
- Emily Kleiser – Jasper High School
- Abigail Kluemper – Jasper High School
- Lily Krause – West Vigo High School
- Corinne Loomis – Riverton Parke Jr.-Sr. High School
- Abbigail McKee – Linton-Stockton High School
- Isabella Montgomery – Cloverdale High School
- Gabriella Sanders – Cloverdale High School
- Gavin Simonson – North Putnam Sr. High School
- Jocelyn Vandeventer – Decatur Central High School
- Gavin Winkler – Forest Park Jr.-Sr. High School
"These students have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement and a passion for making a difference in the lives of others through education," said Indiana State University President Mike Godard. "Indiana State has a long and proud tradition of preparing exceptional educators, and we are honored that these future teachers have chosen to continue that legacy as Sycamores. They will play a vital role in shaping the next generation of learners across Indiana."
Recipients must meet rigorous academic requirements, including graduating in the top 20 percent of their high school class, earning qualifying SAT or ACT scores, or maintaining at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average. Once enrolled, scholarship recipients must continue to earn a minimum 3.0 GPA and complete at least 30 credit hours annually to maintain eligibility.
The scholarship reflects Indiana's continued investment in building a strong pipeline of highly qualified educators at a time when schools across the state are working to recruit and retain outstanding teachers. By reducing the financial barriers to earning a teaching degree, the program helps ensure more Indiana students can pursue careers in education while committing to serve communities throughout the state.
Indiana State University's Bayh College of Education has prepared educators for generations and continues to be recognized for developing highly skilled, student-centered teachers who are ready to lead classrooms across Indiana and beyond.