Kayla Sankey Selected from Record Applicant Pool for Indiana Educator Scholarship

State Rep. Beau Baird is celebrating the achievement of North Montgomery High School senior Kayla Sankey, who has been named one of the select recipients of Indiana’s prestigious Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship for the 2025–2026 academic year.

The competitive scholarship program, which Baird has long supported as a key legislative priority, offers up to $10,000 per year for four years to high-achieving students who commit to teaching in Indiana for at least five years after graduation. With nearly 1,100 applicants and just under 300 awards distributed across the state this cycle, Sankey’s selection marks a significant achievement for both her and Montgomery County.

“Kayla’s recognition reflects the very best of our community—hard work, service, and a heart for education,” said Baird. “This scholarship not only helps promising young leaders like her afford college, it ensures they bring their talents back to the classroom. That’s a win for Indiana students, and for the future of our state.”

Established in 2016 through legislation passed by the Indiana General Assembly, the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship was designed to address the state’s growing teacher shortage while rewarding students with a clear passion for education. Baird, who represents parts of Montgomery and Putnam counties, has been a vocal advocate for supporting educators and ensuring Indiana classrooms are staffed with qualified, homegrown teachers.

“These scholarships are an investment in both the recipients’ futures and the thousands of students they’ll go on to teach,” Baird said. “I’m proud that the legislature continues to back programs like this, and prouder still that a local student from North Montgomery was selected.”

To qualify for the scholarship, students must meet high academic benchmarks—graduating in the top 20 percent of their class, earning a score in the top 20th percentile on the SAT or ACT, or maintaining at least a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Applicants also submit essays, participate in interviews, and demonstrate a commitment to becoming educators in Indiana’s K-12 public or private schools.

For Baird, who serves on several legislative committees including those focused on education and fiscal policy, the program is part of a broader mission to elevate the teaching profession and give Indiana students the tools they need to succeed.

“We can’t build a strong economy or healthy communities without strong schools,” Baird added. “That begins with supporting our future teachers—financially and professionally—from day one.”

Sankey’s award puts her on track to receive up to $40,000 in tuition assistance over four years, provided she enrolls full-time in an Indiana college or university and maintains her commitment to the profession. In exchange, she’ll be expected to teach in Indiana for five years after graduation.

While Sankey has not publicly detailed her specific plans, her selection signals a serious commitment to becoming a teacher and a strong academic record to match. The North Montgomery school community and local leaders have praised her achievement as a testament to the high standards and character of the area’s students.

“This is more than a scholarship,” said Baird. “It’s a signal that Indiana values the teaching profession, and we’re serious about investing in the people who will shape the next generation.”

The Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship program has grown in popularity since its inception, with the 2025–2026 cycle breaking previous application records. State officials credit increased outreach and strong legislative support—including from lawmakers like Baird—for raising awareness and expanding access.

Students interested in applying for the 2026–2027 round can begin preparing this fall. Details, including application deadlines and eligibility requirements, can be found at LearnMoreIndiana.org/nextteacher. Questions can be directed to [email protected].

As Kayla Sankey takes the next step toward becoming an educator, her journey stands as a reflection of the values that leaders like Beau Baird have championed—dedication, service, and a belief that the classroom is where the future begins.