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, which will be funded by an annual appropriation of $10 million from the state general revenue fund, to incentivize individuals from these underrepresented groups to pursue careers in education.

Additionally, the bill defines "underrepresented groups" and sets forth criteria for scholarship eligibility, including enrollment in education programs and being a member of one of the specified groups. The scholarship program will be administered by a designated agency or panel, which will evaluate applicants based on various factors such as academic performance, financial need, and interest in education. The bill also includes provisions for scholarship agreements, renewal conditions, and repayment requirements, ensuring that recipients fulfill their obligations to work in education within the state after completing their studies.

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