This bill aims to strengthen the Increase Teachers of Color Act by making a pilot scholarship program for aspiring teachers of color permanent and establishing a special revenue fund account for its administration. Key amendments include the introduction of a maximum direct financial assistance limit of $5,000 per fiscal year for each teacher candidate, and the requirement that grants be awarded by August 15 of the fiscal year or as soon as practicable. Additionally, the bill allows institutions to provide up to $10,000 in combined direct financial assistance to the same candidate in overlapping fiscal years.

The bill also modifies eligibility criteria for the scholarship program, increasing the maximum award amount from $25,000 to $30,000, and allows applicants to apply for both the scholarship and an underrepresented student teacher grant, provided they do not receive awards from both programs in the same academic term. Furthermore, it establishes an aspiring Minnesota teachers of color scholarship program account in the special revenue fund, ensuring that appropriated funds are continuously available for scholarship awards. The bill includes provisions for annual reporting on the scholarship program's outcomes and appropriates $10 million for the program in both fiscal years 2026 and 2027.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 122A.635