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 are tasked with developing rules and regulations for the program, including application procedures and requirements for participating schools.

Key amendments to the existing law include the removal of specific deadlines for the adoption of rules and regulations, as well as the annual transfer of $3,000,000 from the state general fund to the grant program fund, which will be administered by the Secretary. The bill also emphasizes the importance of partnering with eligible training providers and prioritizing applications that allow apprentices to maintain their current employment through flexible learning options. The program will undergo annual evaluations starting in 2025, with reports submitted to relevant legislative committees.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 74-50