Overview of New Diploma Requirements
In December 2024, the Indiana State Board of Education approved transformative changes to high school diploma requirements, demonstrating a forward-thinking approach to preparing students for success beyond secondary education. These comprehensive updates aim to equip students with practical skills and real-world experiences that are crucial for college, career, and life readiness. Starting with the class of 2029, these new standards can be implemented as early as in the 2025-26 school year, marking a significant shift in Indiana's educational landscape.
Key Changes in Indiana's New Diploma Requirements
The new diploma requirements introduce several critical modifications designed to provide students with a more comprehensive and practical educational experience:
Required Courses
Students must now complete three essential one-credit courses:
- Personal Finance: A comprehensive course teaching budgeting, saving, investing, and credit management
- Computer Science: A foundational course providing critical tech skills for the modern workforce
- Preparing for College & Careers (PCC): A comprehensive program supporting career exploration, resume building, and job readiness
Readiness Seals
The diploma requirements now feature a new Readiness Seal system that replaces previous Graduation Pathways. Students must earn at least one Readiness Seal in:
- Enrollment
- Employment
- Enlistment & Service
These seals automatically fulfill all Graduation Pathways requirements and provide a more flexible approach to demonstrating student preparedness.
Work-Based Learning (WBL) Expansion
The new requirements significantly broaden Work-Based Learning opportunities:
- Now includes paid, unpaid, on-site, and virtual experiences
- Increases accessibility for all students
- Provides more flexible learning options
Honors and Honors Plus Seals Adjustments
Two notable changes have been implemented:
- Employment Honors Plus Seal: Work-based learning hours reduced from 100 to 75
- Enlistment Honors Plus Seal: Now includes ROTC enrollment and service academy acceptance as alternative pathways
220 Youth Leadership: A Comprehensive Solution
Recognizing the challenges districts face in implementing these new requirements, 220 Youth Leadership has developed a comprehensive suite of programs specifically designed to support schools and students.
One-Semester Courses
Our standards-aligned courses directly address the new diploma requirements:
- Full-credit courses in Personal Finance, Preparing for College & Careers, and Computer Science
- Flexible delivery options including in-person, hybrid, and fully online formats
- Seamless integration into existing school curricula
Each course is meticulously designed to provide a robust 60-hour curriculum, available in flexible 90-day or 45-day formats, and includes hybrid modules, comprehensive assessments, and project-based learning opportunities.
Self-Paced Mini Courses
To provide additional support, we offer targeted learning experiences in:
- Leadership
- Employability Skills
- Resume & Interview Preparation
- Entrepreneurship
- Personal Finance
These courses offer unique use cases, including:
- Credit recovery for transfer students
- Opportunity to front-load credits for 8th graders
- Flexible learning model without additional seat-based costs
Virtual Work-Based Learning
Our 150-hour virtual internship program provides unparalleled opportunities in:
- Marketing & Sales
- Business Operations & Technology
- Entrepreneurship & Finance
- Human & Social Services
Key benefits include:
- Meets Indiana's Work-Based Learning requirements
- Solves traditional placement barriers
- Supports students with transportation or scheduling challenges
- Bilingual accessibility (English and Spanish, with 200+ language translation options)
Practical Solutions for Indiana School Leaders
Districts across Indiana face unique challenges in implementing the new diploma requirements. 220 Youth Leadership has developed targeted solutions to address these critical implementation needs:
Solving Staffing and Course Availability Challenges
Many districts struggle with limited teaching resources and infrastructure to offer specialized courses like Personal Finance, Computer Science, and Preparing for College & Careers. 220 Youth Leadership provides a flexible solution through one-semester courses and mini-courses that can be seamlessly integrated into existing curricula. These offerings eliminate the need for additional staffing or complex scheduling changes, ensuring schools can meet new diploma requirements efficiently and effectively.
Supporting High-Achieving Students
High-achieving students often face scheduling conflicts when pursuing dual credit, Advanced Placement courses, and extracurricular activities. The work-based learning requirement for Honors Plus Seals can feel like an additional burden. Our virtual Work-Based Learning (WBL) program offers a flexible, scalable solution that allows students to complete required hours over multiple years without disrupting their existing academic and personal commitments.
Creating Academic Flexibility
Forward-thinking districts are now exploring strategies to maximize student options in grades 10-12 by front-loading credits in earlier years. 220 Youth Leadership supports this approach by providing course access for students from 8th through 12th grade. This innovative approach gives students a head start on graduation requirements, creating more flexibility in their high school academic planning.
Maximizing Funding Opportunities
Schools can now transcribe virtual WBL experiences as Career Exploration & Internship courses (DOE Course #0530), which are funded at $500 per student for Career and Technical Education (CTE). Our virtual Work-Based Learning program allows schools to generate funding while providing students with practical, real-world career experiences.
Innovative Computer Science Education
Recognizing the challenges schools face in delivering engaging computer science curriculum, 220 Youth Leadership is developing a modern, AI-driven approach to Computer Science education. Our courses align with Indiana standards while keeping content relevant, accessible, and exciting for today's students. By integrating cutting-edge digital literacy and AI concepts, we ensure students are prepared for the technological challenges of the future.
Final Thoughts
With districts across Indiana scrambling to align with the new diploma requirements, 220 Youth Leadership provides an all-in-one solution that meets critical educational needs. We offer a comprehensive approach that fully aligns with Indiana requirements, expanding Work-Based Learning access while removing traditional barriers related to employer availability, transportation, and scheduling. Our flexible implementation models—including in-person, hybrid, and fully asynchronous learning—eliminate seat-based limitations and ensure all students have access without additional costs. Proven student success is at the heart of our approach, with our programs increasing student confidence, employability, and real-world readiness.
Now is the time for Indiana schools to opt-in early and give students a competitive advantage with 220 Youth Leadership's proven, standards-aligned curriculum. Get started today and transform how your district prepares students for the future.
🔗 Learn more: Alignment with Indiana's New Diploma and Graduation Seals 2025