Spend a day at the Indiana Statehouse

Applications are now open for students interested in participating in the Indiana House Page Program.

This unique hands-on experience helps students learn how laws are made in Indiana while inspiring the next generation of leaders to get involved in public service.

To be a page, applicants should be between the ages of 13 and 18, which is typically grades six through 12.

Students participating in this interactive educational experience receive an excused absence from school. While at the Statehouse, House pages tour historical sites like the House and Senate chambers, the Indiana Supreme Court and the governor’s office. They have the opportunity to meet their state representative and observe the legislative session directly from the floor of the House, listening to debates on important policy issues. Pages are also assigned age-appropriate tasks like delivering important messages and sorting files.

The 2018 session begins Jan. 3, and House pages are scheduled for Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays for the duration of each legislative session. Large groups and clubs can be scheduled to page on Wednesdays. If you would like to schedule participating siblings and friends together, please be sure to note that preference when signing up.

Page positions fill quickly, so please be sure to sign up early by clicking here.

Give the gift of higher education

Looking for a last-minute gift for the holidays? Investing in a child’s future has never been easier!

Indiana’s CollegeChoice 529 Direct Savings Plan helps families save for post-secondary education expenses. These plans make it easier than ever to start saving for higher education early with flexible investment options, a generous state tax incentive for contributions to a savings account, an affordable minimum contribution amount of $10, and easy ways for families and friends to contribute.

Accounts grow tax-free as long as the money is withdrawn to pay for qualified education expenses like books, tuition, room and board, computers, and other fees. Account beneficiaries may use their savings at any college or university that accepts federal financial aid, not just Indiana institutions.

Thanks to Indiana’s CollegeChoice 529 Plans, more than $4 billion has been invested in more than 330,000 accounts, helping make higher education more accessible for young Hoosiers.

To learn more or to open a CollegeChoice 529 account, visit www.collegechoicedirect.com.

STEM Fest 2018

The Indiana Pacers and Conexus Indiana are hosting STEM Fest 2018!

The interactive event will take place on Sunday, Feb. 11, and is open to students of all ages and their families. It is a great opportunity to learn how science, technology, engineering and mathematics are used in sports and other careers.

Throughout the day, students and their families will be partnered with a mentor from a local company, university or non-profit organization while participating in several STEM activities. Representatives from universities and STEM organizations will be available to discuss future career paths for those interested.

Tickets are $10 a person and include admission to the event and the Pacers vs. New York Knicks game at 5 p.m. that evening. Ticket sales have been extended to Friday, Feb. 2, and will not be available for purchase at the door. To learn more and buy tickets, click here.

Scholarship Opportunity

Applications for the 2018 POWER Scholarship are being accepted through Dec. 20.

POWER is a caucus within the Indiana General Assembly primarily for female legislators interested in improving the quality of life for Hoosier residents.

The group is offering $750 scholarships to 18 women across the state, two women in each of Indiana’s nine congressional districts.

The scholarship is for non-traditional female students whose education was delayed or interrupted, with the hope of lessening the financial burden on those who are returning to school or seeking advancement in their careers. The scholarship may also benefit stay-at-home moms entering the workplace who are in need of additional education or training. When considering scholarship recipients, the organization is placing a high priority on those who give back to their communities, and whose goals and desires for education align with their passions.

One scholarship in each district will be awarded to a woman who is majoring full-time in a science, technology, engineering or mathematics program (STEM) at a higher education institution in Indiana.

Visit the POWER website for edibility requirements, selection criteria and other important information. Applications can be submitted online here.