Bill > HB5248

This bill establishes a statewide initiative to encourage minorities, males, and individuals from rural, isolated, or impoverished areas to enter the public education field in West Virginia by creating a dedicated scholarship fund. The West Virginia State Board of Education and county boards of education will develop programs to inform these "underrepresented groups" about teaching opportunities and the necessary preparation programs, with information to be disseminated through literature and online. A key component is the creation of a "Scholarship Fund for Underrepresented Groups as Educators," which will receive $10 million annually from the state's general revenue fund, with one-third of the scholarships allocated to male applicants, one-third to minority applicants, and one-third to applicants from rural, isolated, or impoverished areas. Recipients must agree to work in an education-related field in West Virginia for a specified period after completing their studies or repay the scholarship with interest, though provisions for deferral and excusal due to circumstances like military service, disability, or death are included.