AR SB26

Creates a scholarship program providing up to $10,000 total ($5,000 per year for two years) to teacher education students who commit to teaching in high-needs subject areas at public schools for a minimum of five consecutive years.

Establishes eligibility requirements including a 3.0 or higher GPA, enrollment in a four-year teacher education program, and a written agreement with the Department of Higher Education to teach in designated high-needs subject areas.

Requires recipients to obtain teacher licensure within one year of completing their degree and begin teaching in a high-needs subject area in the academic year immediately following licensure.

Mandates repayment of scholarship funds on a pro rata basis if recipients fail to teach in high-needs areas for five consecutive years, or in full if they fail to obtain licensure within one year or begin teaching in a high-needs area in their first year as a licensed teacher.

Allows the Department of Higher Education to defer repayment requirements if no employment positions are reasonably available, and caps the number of scholarships awarded annually based on projections provided by the Department of Education by March 1 each year.