§18–27A–02.

    (a)    There is a Grow Your Own Educators Grant Program.

    (b)    (1)    The purpose of the Program is to provide support to collaboratives that offer teacher licensure programs with on–the–job experiential learning for eligible individuals who:

            (i)    Are interested in pursuing a career in the teaching profession;

            (ii)    Are employed by a local school system in the State as a school–based part–time or full–time employee; and

            (iii)    Ultimately pledge to fulfill a 3–year service obligation as a teacher employed full–time in a high–needs school, grade level, or content area in the local school system in which they are currently employed.

        (2)    The Department shall administer the Program.

    (c)    To be eligible for the Program, a teacher candidate applicant shall:

        (1)    Be employed as a noncertified education support professional or provisional teacher by a participating local school system on the effective date of the Program in a school–based position;

        (2)    Have a high school diploma or its equivalent; and

        (3)    Commit to pursue a teacher licensure pathway approved by the Department.