The bill revises the Grow Your Own Grant Program to expand eligibility for grants to include postsecondary institutions, allowing them to collaborate with school districts to develop or enhance programs aimed at addressing teacher shortages in rural and reservation areas. Key changes include the removal of the requirement for the Commissioner of Higher Education to convert grants to loans under certain conditions, and the revision of criteria for students to earn postsecondary credits while in high school. The bill also extends the termination date of the program to June 30, 2029, and introduces a new appropriation of $500,000 from the general fund for the 2025 biennium to support the program.

Additionally, the bill mandates that the commissioner report annually on the program's status, including the number of students participating and those who have obtained teaching positions in their respective districts. The definition of "postsecondary institution" is clarified to include units of the Montana university system, tribal colleges, and community colleges. Overall, these amendments aim to strengthen the pipeline for future educators and ensure sustainable support for teaching in areas facing quality educator shortages.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 20-4-601
HB0499_1(1): 20-4-601
HB0499_1(2): 20-4-601
HB0499_1(3): 20-4-601
HB0499_1(4): 20-4-601
HB0499_1(5): 20-4-601
HB0499_1: 20-4-601
HB0499_2(1): 20-4-601
HB0499_2(10): 20-4-601
HB0499_2(2): 20-4-601
HB0499_2(3): 20-4-601
HB0499_2(4): 20-4-601
HB0499_2(5): 20-4-601
HB0499_2(6): 20-4-601
HB0499_2(7): 20-4-601
HB0499_2(8): 20-4-601
HB0499_2(9): 20-4-601
HB0499_2: 20-4-601
HB0499_X(1): 20-4-601
HB0499_X(2): 20-4-601
HB0499_X(3): 20-4-601
HB0499_X(4): 20-4-601
HB0499_X(5): 20-4-601
HB0499_X(6): 20-4-601
HB0499_X: 20-4-601