Bill > HB3225

This bill creates a statewide initiative to increase diversity in the public education workforce by establishing a scholarship program targeting underrepresented groups, specifically minorities, males, and individuals from rural, isolated, or impoverished areas. The bill requires the West Virginia State Board of Education and county boards of education to develop initiatives to attract these groups to teaching careers, including distributing informational materials and promoting teacher preparation programs. A new "Scholarship Fund for Underrepresented Groups as Educators" will be created with $10 million in annual state funding, with scholarships distributed equally among male applicants, minority applicants, and applicants from isolated, rural, or impoverished areas. Scholarship recipients must be enrolled in an education certification program and will be required to work full-time in an education-related field in West Virginia for one year for each year of scholarship received, or repay the scholarship with interest. The selection criteria will consider academic performance, extracurricular activities, financial need, and demonstrated interest in education, with preference given to West Virginia residents. The bill also provides provisions for scholarship renewal, deferral, and potential excusal in cases of military service, disability, or death, with a maximum repayment period of 10-15 years.