Participation in high-school career education surged across Indiana over the past several years. In the class of 2023, more than 80% of students took at least one course in a career training pathway.

As many work to combat misinformation about social emotional learning's value in schools, educators are pointing out its real-world impact.

Indiana high school students taking career and technical courses like cosmetology and welding are wrapping up a statewide competition this week.

High school courses in areas including cosmetology and culinary arts will keep their state funding in a version of the budget approved by the Senate.

The proposed budget would increase funding for "high value" classes like welding and industrial automation while eliminating funding from almost two dozen "less than moderate value" classes like culinary arts, cosmetology, fashion and more.

The money can be used to pay for PPE, COVID-19 testing for students who learn on a job site, or even substitute teachers.

The office says unlike many courses, technical education classes have hands-on experience requirements that cant be replicated online.

Career and technical education programs across Indiana were allowed to begin hands-on classes Monday so students could finish course requirements. Its the first time students will take classes in a school since the pandemic began.

Each of the selected schools will get $50,000 from the Governor's Workforce Cabinet to launch a program under the states proposed Next Level Programs of Study plan.

Career and Technical Education programs across the state are preparing to offer in-person classes to high school students in July. It could be the first time students take classes in a school building since they were closed in March due to the pandemic.