The bill SB1572 introduces the Early College and Career Pathways Program (ECCP Program) and Fund, aimed at incentivizing and financially assisting students in earning early college credit or completing in-demand certificates, credentials, or licenses. It repeals the Arizona Industry Credentials Incentive Program and the College Credit by Examination Incentive Program, transferring any remaining funds to the ECCP Fund. The bill also modifies the Teacher Development Program to offer scholarships or grants for professional development with a reduced teaching commitment in Arizona public schools from three years to one year.

Key changes include the establishment of the ECCP Program and Fund, the creation of a high-quality teacher professional development program with a shorter teaching commitment, and the allocation of funds based on student achievements in qualifying programs or examinations. The bill also requires the Arizona Department of Education to manage the fund, produce annual reports, and mandates the Arizona Board of Regents to maintain a list of qualifying exams for college credit. Unexpended monies from the repealed programs will be redirected to the new ECCP Fund.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15-203, 15-240, 15-249.06, 15-741.02, 15-249.15, 15-501.01, 15-505, 15-214, 15-701.01, 15-107, 15-183, 15-550, 41-1758.03, 15-157, 15-158, 15-710.01, 15-701, 15-710.02, 35-190, 15-1401, 15-901.07, 15-741, 2023-2024, 15-792.03, 15-746, 15-241