INDIANA. -- The Indiana State Board of Education unanimously approved the final diploma rule Dec. 16, to maximize flexibility and opportunity during high school for students. 

 “We started this process by asking Hoosiers across the state, ‘how might we make the four years of high school as valuable as possible for students and better connect them to their unique future goals,’” said Dr. Katie Jenner, Indiana Secretary of Education. “Listening to and incorporating significant stakeholder feedback has absolutely led us to a better place from where we started in March to where we are today. This new high school diploma will allow increased flexibility for students to personalize their journey, as well as increase access to both work-based learning and credentials of value.”

Major General Dale Lyles discussed the importance of the enlistment and service seal. 

“This will open the aperture and provide opportunities for young men and women to serve their country post-graduation, without getting the news after graduation that they’re not eligible to serve without doing some year-long thing to get them ready,” Lyles stated. “I think this will open the aperture, and it’ll provide an opportunity for those to serve that want to serve, because I hear a lot from people around the state … ‘I wish I’d have had the opportunity.'”

The new diploma model, that will be supported by all of Indiana's public colleges and universities, will begin for all Hoosier students starting with the Class of 2029.

It will offer readiness seals for enrollment, employment, or enlistment and service based on students' future paths.