About

Your Next Step provides a one-stop shop for resources in Indiana that can help you take the next step in your career, education and life. Think of the website as a lobby, with doors you can choose to walk through and connect to the help you need to move forward. Your Next Step is supported by the Governor’s Workforce Cabinet, Indiana government agencies, higher education and training providers, Hoosier employers, state policymakers, local communities, faith-based organizations and other key partners.

I need support. How can this website help me?

This website provides resources to help you take your next step in life. This includes enrolling in education and training, paying for college, searching for jobs, building resumes and understanding different career paths. It also provides guidance and resources to help with unemployment insurance, childcare and healthcare.

What is the Your Next Step website? Who is providing these resources?

YourNextStepIN.org is a one-stop shop for resources designed to help you take the next step in your career, education and life. Think of the website as a lobby, with doors you can choose to walk through and connect to the help you need to move forward. Your Next Step is supported by the Governor’s Workforce Cabinet, Indiana government agencies, higher education and training providers, Hoosier employers, state policymakers, local communities, faith-based organizations and other key partners.

I already have some college credit and/or work experience. Can I use that to increase my skills and earning potential?

Yes. There are a lot of opportunities available to assist you in using what you already know to help you move forward. Many education and training programs provide credit for past work experience or college credits. Every situation is unique, but most people are closer than they might realize to leveling up their career or education. Your preferred education or training provider can help you determine how to utilize your experience toward your next step.

I’m considering pursuing additional education and training. How do I know it will pay off?

Now more than ever, some form of education beyond high school is necessary to secure and keep a job that provides for you and your family. As the economy recovers from COVID-19, those with college degrees or other post-high school credentials are best positioned to land the jobs that come back.

How I can afford education and training beyond high school?

The state has set aside funding to cover the cost of earning an education beyond high school that leads to in-demand jobs, so you may qualify to earn your education and training at no cost. Indiana is fourth in the nation and first in the Midwest for providing need-based financial aid. You might also qualify for federal aid options. Refer to the Expert Help tab to find phone numbers and email addresses to connect to Indiana experts who can help.

How do I fit education or training into my already too-crowded schedule?

Your time is valuable. You’re also not alone in trying to balance a full schedule: Over a third of undergraduate students are over 25 years old. Forty percent of students work full time. Almost a quarter have children or other dependents. Education providers have designed programs and career counseling services that are delivered flexibly online to meet the needs of working students.

I just lost my job. How can I get help?

On this website, you can get support in signing up for unemployment insurance, finding a new job in your field, looking at new careers, connecting with trusted experts skilled in providing career advice and getting the education and training needed to help you get there.

Can I get personalized assistance to help determine what resources might work best for me?

Yes. Under the Expert Help tab and throughout the site, find phone numbers and email addresses to connect to Indiana experts who are best suited to provide information on a variety of topics covered on the site.

Join Our Outreach Network

Indiana’s Outreach Network uses an active group of community- and faith-based organizations, philanthropic groups, employers and others to be the trusted sources of information for Hoosiers to learn about resources available through Your Next Step. Submit the form below to join our efforts and someone from the state’s Outreach Network will be in touch with next steps.

Join Today