74-32,209. Computer science educator program; establishment; award of scholarships. (a) There is hereby established the computer science educator program to promote the advancement of computer science licensed and preservice teacher preparation in Kansas.

(b) Subject to appropriations therefor, the state board of regents may award scholarships to licensed and preservice teachers who:

(1) Are enrolled in a course of instruction offered by a postsecondary educational institution that:

(A) For licensed teachers, is for additional postsecondary credit; or

(B) for preservice teachers, is leading to licensure as a teacher; and

(2) have completed one course in computer science during such enrollment.

(c) Scholarships awarded under the program shall be in an amount not to exceed $1,000 for each scholarship recipient. The state board of regents shall prioritize scholarship awards for applicants who:

(1) Are from underrepresented socioeconomic demographic groups; or

(2) agree to teach computer science in rural schools and schools with higher percentages of students from underrepresented socioeconomic demographic groups.

(d) The state board of regents may coordinate with postsecondary educational institutions to support eligible preservice education programs at such institutions with the development and implementation of pathways in computer science education to help preservice teachers obtain a certification to teach computer science education within their intended major and area of certification.

(e) The state board of regents shall adopt rules and regulations necessary to implement and administer the computer science educator program, including, but not limited to, requirements for scholarship eligibility and applications for such scholarships.

(f) As used in this section, the term "postsecondary educational institution" means any state educational institution, community college or not-for-profit institution of postsecondary education. A not-for-profit institution of postsecondary education shall have its main campus or principal place of operation in Kansas, be operated independently and not controlled or administered by any state agency or subdivision of the state, maintain open enrollment and be accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency for higher education in the United States.

History: L. 2022, ch. 86, § 5; July 1.