The bill revises the Grow Your Own Grant Program to expand eligibility to postsecondary institutions, allowing them to apply for grants in partnership with eligible school districts. It removes the previous requirement that grants be converted to loans under certain conditions, thereby providing more stability for grant recipients. Additionally, the bill updates the criteria for students to earn postsecondary credits while in high school and extends the program's termination date to June 30, 2029.

Furthermore, the bill includes an appropriation of $500,000 from the general fund for the biennium beginning July 1, 2025, to support the program. It mandates annual reporting by the commissioner of higher education on the program's status, including the number of participants and their subsequent teaching placements. The bill aims to strengthen teacher pipelines, particularly in rural and reservation school districts, by fostering collaboration between educational institutions and enhancing support for future educators.

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(10): 20-4-601
HB0499_X(11): 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(7): 20-4-601
HB0499_X(8): 20-4-601
HB0499_X(9): 20-4-601
HB0499_X: 20-4-601