This bill proposes the establishment of the North Dakota student teacher scholarship program, which will be administered by the state board of higher education. The program aims to provide scholarships for student teachers pursuing initial teacher licensure after graduation. The board will distribute funds to institutions offering state-approved teacher preparation programs and will offer guidance to these programs in administering the scholarships. To qualify for the scholarship, students must be enrolled in a North Dakota state-approved teacher preparation program, satisfactorily progressing through their studies, and must not hold an initial or alternate access teaching license.

Additionally, the bill includes an appropriation of $4,200,000 from the general fund to support the scholarship program for the biennium from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027. Each eligible student may receive a scholarship of up to $3,000 to be applied towards their tuition and fees during the semester they are completing their student teaching experience.