This bill aims to strengthen the Increase Teachers of Color Act by making the pilot scholarship program for aspiring teachers of color permanent. It amends existing legislation to establish a scholarship program for individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups who are pursuing teaching careers in Minnesota. Key changes include the removal of the term "pilot" from the scholarship program, an increase in the maximum scholarship award from $25,000 to $30,000, and the introduction of a new special revenue fund account specifically for the scholarship program. Additionally, the bill outlines eligibility criteria, including financial need and satisfactory academic progress, and allows applicants to apply for both this scholarship and another grant, provided they do not receive awards from both programs in the same academic term.

The bill also includes provisions for appropriations to support the scholarship program and related initiatives, such as grants for educators of color and mentoring programs. A total of $10 million is appropriated for fiscal year 2025 to the aspiring Minnesota teachers of color scholarship program account, with a portion allocated for program administration. Furthermore, the bill mandates annual reporting on the scholarship program's outcomes, including applicant demographics and award statistics, to ensure transparency and accountability. Overall, this legislation seeks to enhance support for aspiring teachers of color in Minnesota, thereby addressing the need for a more diverse teaching workforce.