The bill establishes the Kansas educator registered apprenticeship grant program, which aims to provide financial support to education apprentices pursuing postsecondary degrees in order to increase the number of qualified teachers in Kansas. The program will award grants for tuition, fees, books, and materials, with grants being disbursed twice a year at the time payments are due. The Kansas State Board of Education and the Secretary of Education will coordinate to develop and implement the program, including establishing application procedures and requirements for schools and apprentices.

Additionally, the bill amends existing law to facilitate the program's operation, including the creation of a dedicated fund for the grants and the annual evaluation of the program starting in 2025. It also specifies that the program will prioritize applications from schools that partner with training providers allowing apprentices to maintain their employment through flexible learning options. The bill repeals the previous version of K.S.A. 2024 Supp. 74-50,234, ensuring that the new provisions take effect upon publication in the statute book.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 74-50
As introduced: 74-50