Braun Unveils $15M Statewide Push to Expand Career Coaching for Indiana Students

(INDIANAPOLIS) - The Indiana Department of Education will distribute $15 million to 21 organizations across the state to expand access to career coaching and post-graduation planning resources, a move announced Tuesday by Mike Braun. The funding is designed to help K-12 students better understand their options after high school, from college and training programs to direct entry into the workforce. Braun said the investment reflects the state's focus on preparing students for high-demand, good-paying jobs while supporting long-term economic growth. The grants are authorized under Senate Enrolled Act 365, passed by the Indiana General Assembly in 2025, which directed IDOE to award the funds through a competitive process. State education officials said this year's awards were made during a tight budget cycle, with less funding available than in previous rounds, even as interest surged; applications increased 37 percent over the last cycle, with more than $45 million requested. Katie Jenner said the grants were strategically deployed to reach the greatest number of counties and expand access to consistent, individualized career coaching that helps students identify goals and map out next steps. Grantees were chosen based on their ability to deliver innovative services not currently available in the schools they will serve or to demonstrate measurable impact on students. The current grant period runs through June 30, 2027.