INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WOWO) — Governor Mike Braun announced an investment in Indiana’s future workforce this week, awarding $15 million in Career Coaching Grants to 21 organizations across the state. The funding is designed to provide students with more robust resources to navigate their options after high school, from traditional college paths to high-demand trade careers.

The initiative, spearheaded by the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE), aims to bridge the gap between graduation and the workforce by offering individualized guidance that many schools cannot currently provide on their own.

The grants stem from Senate Enrolled Act 365 (2025), which tasked the IDOE with managing the fund. Despite a “tight budget year” in the General Assembly that saw funding levels drop compared to previous cycles, interest in the program surged. The IDOE reported a 37% increase in applicants, with more than $45 million in total funding requests—triple the amount available.

“This investment empowers students to grow their skills and talents, fill the gap in high-demand, good‑paying jobs, and step into a future where they can thrive and our state can prosper,” said Governor Mike Braun.

To maximize the reach of the limited funds, state officials selected 21 entities that could serve the largest number of counties. The winners were chosen based on their ability to offer “innovative, high-quality” coaching and their track record of measurable success with students.

Secretary of Education Dr. Katie Jenner emphasized that the primary goal of K-12 education is to ensure students are “prepared for what’s next.”

“This year’s Career Coaching Grant has been strategically deployed to maximize the impact… by increasing access to consistent, individualized career coaching that helps students identify their unique goals and develop a plan to achieve them,” Dr. Jenner stated.