§18–2703.    IN EFFECT

    // EFFECTIVE UNTIL JUNE 30, 2029 PER CHAPTER 627 OF 2023 //

    (a)    (1)    In each school year from the 2023–2024 school year through the 2025–2026 school year, a recipient who is selected for support under the Program shall receive an initial stipend to support the recipient’s participation in an experiential learning opportunity in a public school or publicly funded prekindergarten classroom.

        (2)    The experiential learning opportunity shall:

            (i)    Occur within the first or second year of the recipient’s enrollment in an institution of initial eligibility; and

            (ii)    Contribute to the education of the students in the classroom in which the recipient participates.

        (3)    The purpose of the initial stipend awarded under this subsection is to nurture in the recipient a passion for becoming a teacher.

        (4)    If the institution of initial eligibility has a written agreement with a public partner school or publicly funded prekindergarten program for the establishment of a training practicum under § 6–120 of this article, then the recipient’s experiential learning opportunity shall be in a classroom within the partner school.

        (5)    The Office shall determine the amount of the initial stipends awarded under this subsection.

    (b)    (1)    In each school year from the 2026–2027 school year through the 2028–2029 school year, a Program recipient shall be eligible for an internship stipend if the Program recipient:

            (i)    Is currently enrolled in a teacher preparation program at an institution of higher education in the State that, through its course of study leads to a Maryland professional teacher’s certificate;

            (ii)    Is currently engaged in an internship or a practicum providing direct experience working with students in a public school or publicly funded prekindergarten program as part of the recipient’s course of study;

            (iii)    Continues to make satisfactory progress toward a degree and maintain the standards of the institution; and

            (iv)    Pledges to fulfill a service obligation for 2 years as a teacher employed full–time in a high–needs school, grade level, or content area in which there is a shortage of teachers, as identified by the Department under paragraph (4) of this subsection.

        (2)    A Program recipient who meets the requirements of paragraph (1) of this subsection shall receive an internship stipend of up to $20,000 for a 10–month educator internship.

        (3)    If the recipient of an internship stipend does not fulfill the service obligation, the recipient shall repay the Commission the funds received under this subsection as set forth in § 18–112 of this title.

        (4)    In order to ensure that Program recipients fulfill the service obligation, the Department shall submit to the Office a list of:

            (i)    High–needs schools in which there are a significant proportion of:

                1.    Teacher vacancies; and

                2.    Teachers teaching in a grade level or content area other than the grade level or content area in which they are certificated; and

            (ii)    Grade levels and content areas in which there are a significant proportion of:

                1.    Teacher vacancies; and

                2.    Teachers teaching in a grade level or content area other than the grade level or content area in which they are certificated.