The class of 2029 will be the first Indiana student class to graduate with Indiana’s new high school diploma. Indiana Core 40 is the current diploma, requiring students to earn a total of 40 credits. Two other pathways are Core 40 Academic Honors and Core 40 Technical Education, which require 47 credits. The new Indiana diploma requires a minimum of 42 credits and has three tracks: enrollment, enlistment, and employment. Each of those tracks has an honors seal and an honors plus seal.

Indiana Governor Mike Braun, joined with Education Secretary Dr. Katie Jenner, held a press conference on Wednesday, April 2. 

He praised Jenner for how fast IDOE developed the new diploma and shared how beneficial the diploma would be.

“Every Hoosier student obviously should graduate with the skills they need to begin careers of value,” said Governor Braun.

He went on to announce a partnership with Indiana colleges.

“All seven of our state’s public institutions–listen to this–will now guarantee automatic acceptance for any student who applies and has earned the enrollment honors plus seal.”

The colleges included are: Ball State University, Indiana University, Indiana State University, Ivy Tech Community College, Purdue University, University of Southern Indiana, and Vincennes University. 

Additionally, students who complete the employment honors plus seal will be guaranteed an interview at companies such as CFA Staffing, Cummins, Lilly, and Roche Diagnostics.

Students who complete the enlistment honors plus seal will qualify to join the National Guard. Braun noted that joining the National Guard will also provide students with employment skills and allow them to attend college later with reduced costs.

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