This bill proposes an appropriation of $500,000 from the general fund to the South Dakota Department of Education to establish a student teacher stipend grant program. The funds will be allocated to school districts and department-accredited schools based on applications submitted during a specified period from July 1 to August 15. Each grant awarded may not exceed $5,000 and is intended to support stipends for student teachers placed in the respective school districts or accredited schools during the following school year. To qualify for the grant, applicants must hold either a Student Teacher Permit or an Advanced Student Teacher Permit.

Additionally, the bill allows the Department of Education to allocate up to five percent of the total appropriation for administrative costs related to the grant program. The secretary of the Department of Education is responsible for approving vouchers, while the state auditor will manage the payment of authorized expenditures. Any unspent funds from the appropriation will revert according to existing procedures. The bill is set to take effect on June 30, 2025.