This bill aims to address the teacher shortage in West Virginia by creating a statewide initiative to promote teacher preparation programs specifically targeting underrepresented groups, including minorities, males, and individuals from rural, isolated, or impoverished areas. The West Virginia State Board of Education and county boards of education are tasked with developing initiatives to attract these groups into the teaching profession. The bill outlines the establishment of a scholarship fund, known as the "Scholarship Fund for Underrepresented Groups as Educators," which will receive an annual appropriation of $10 million from the state general revenue fund. The scholarships will be distributed equally among male applicants, minority applicants, and those from isolated or impoverished areas.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions for defining eligible institutions, establishing selection criteria for scholarship recipients, and outlining the terms of scholarship agreements, including renewal conditions and repayment obligations. The legislation emphasizes the importance of academic ability as a primary criterion for selection and encourages outreach to attract students from low-income backgrounds and underrepresented groups. The bill also allows for the acceptance of external funding to support the scholarship program and provides guidelines for the administration of the fund and the scholarship process.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18-2-46, 18-5-52, 18C-10-1, 18C-10-2, 18C-10-3, 18C-10-4, 18C-10-5