Gov. Eric Holcomb signed a bill into law this week that will fund adult high school diploma programs based on performance – not just enrollment. The requirements will affect programs across the state.

The new law establishes the Workforce Diploma Reimbursement Fund. It lets programs that award adult high school diplomas apply for a reimbursement of up to $6,750 per graduate. To be reimbursed, the programs must also maintain a graduation rate of at least 50 percent, among other requirements.

Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Centerville) authored the bill.

“And the best part about it is that there’s no payment up front. When the students earn credit, that’s when the organization is paid,” Raatz says.

The Governor’s Workforce Cabinet must approve every diploma-awarding organization prior to reimbursement.