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 educator registered apprenticeship program will be administered by the secretary of education, who will also coordinate with the state board of education to develop and implement the program's rules and regulations.

Key amendments to the existing law include the removal of specific deadlines for the adoption of rules and regulations, allowing for more flexibility in implementation. Additionally, the bill specifies that grant funds can be used for up to $2,750 per education apprentice, payable twice a year for a maximum of four years or until the completion of their academic program. The bill also creates a dedicated fund for the program, ensuring that unencumbered balances remain available for future use, while also establishing a process for annual evaluations and reporting on the program's effectiveness.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 74-50