Former Collegiate Athlete Scholarship Program; create to attract former athletes back to school for teaching degree.
Impact
If enacted, the Former Collegiate Athlete Scholarship Program will have a significant impact on the state's educational landscape. By targeting former student-athletes, the program seeks to diversify the educator pool and attract individuals who possess unique perspectives. The scholarships can be awarded for up to three years, contingent upon the recipient's commitment to teach in Mississippi public schools upon graduation, thus directly supporting the state's educational workforce needs.
Summary
House Bill 606 establishes the Former Collegiate Athlete Scholarship Program aimed at encouraging former collegiate athletes who did not complete their baccalaureate degree to pursue a career in education. This bill authorizes scholarships for former athletes who enroll in teacher education programs or other degrees that enable them to obtain a teaching license through an alternate route. The scholarships cover tuition, room, meals, and related academic fees, aiming to support potential educators while addressing challenges in filling teaching positions in Mississippi's public schools.
Contention
A notable point of contention surrounding HB 606 includes the conditions placed on scholarship recipients, specifically the requirement that they serve as public school teachers in Mississippi for a specified number of years proportional to the number of awards received. Recipients who fail to complete their education or service requirements face financial liabilities, akin to student loan debts. This raises concerns about the feasibility of fulfilling these obligations, especially in areas where teaching positions may be hard to find or in regions understaffed with educators.
Dyslexia Therapy Scholarship for Students with Dyslexia Program; expand to allow certified academic language therapists (CALT); to provide dyslexia therapy services.