WTHR
Marina Silva
April 2, 2025
https://www.wthr.com/article/news/politics/indiana-governor-mike-braun-signs-new-high-school-diploma-requirements-into-law/531-1a6ae89f-4383-4cf1-9460-902418de93d2
INDIANAPOLIS — Big changes are coming for Hoosier families across Indiana. Governor Mike Braun officially signed new high school diploma requirements into law on Wednesday.
He says these new requirements give students a more entrepreneurial approach to their education.
"Quality education is key to a prosperous economic future for Indiana,” said Gov. Braun. “Today, by working with our partners, including many in the private sector, we have an opportunity to not only improve outcomes for students statewide, but also strengthen our state economy for years to come.”
The new requirements have minimum requirements, but also have an extra "Honors Plus Seal" students can work toward.
For students earning the Enrollment Honors Plus Seal
All seven of our state’s public colleges and universities and an increasing number of private institutions are guaranteeing automatic acceptance into their school for any student who applies and has successfully earned the enrollment plus seal. This includes:
- Purdue University
- Indiana University
- Ivy Tech Community College
- Ball State University
- Indiana State University
- University of Southern Indiana
- Vincennes University
Additional colleges and universities will continue to be added.
For students earning the Employment Honors Plus Seal
Through the help of Ascend Indiana, students who earn the employment honors plus seal can receive dedicated career support. This includes helping students get connected through interviews with some of our state’s top employers.
Students who interview and have completed an employment seal will also be eligible for direct entry into the Central Midwest Carpenters Union apprenticeship.
State leaders are also actively working with Operating Engineers Local 150 to offer similar benefits in connection with their apprenticeship.
The Indiana Chamber of Commerce is actively recruiting businesses across the state to invite and encourage them to be part of this as well.
For students earning the Enlistment Honors Plus Seal
Any student who completes the Enlistment and Service Honors Plus Seal will be uniquely qualified to join the Indiana National Guard and other military branches.
Once accepted to the National Guard, students can:
- Earn college credits for completing training and reduce the time and cost required to complete a degree.
- Gain direct access to veteran mentors, military career counselors, and college ROTC liaisons, who can provide college and career guidance
- Access priority job placement programs designed for military professionals, offering job interviews for federal employment and private-sector roles where military experience is highly valued.
“Indiana is leading the way when it comes to redesigning the high school experience to ensure these four years are as valuable as possible for students, and I could not be more excited about the opportunity ahead to continue to grow our partnerships in this work,” said Dr. Jenner. “In many ways, the adoption of the final diploma rule was only the beginning of our journey, and today’s announcement is the logical next step as many of the same partners who helped us to develop the readiness seals are now solidifying their value for students. I want to thank Governor Braun for his leadership and also our partners for their unwavering commitment to Hoosier students. As we continue implementation of the new diploma, I look forward to growing our list of partners who want to ensure Hoosier students have a more seamless path to their future.”
This will start during the 2028-2029 school year, with schools having the option to opt in this fall.
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