AZ SB1572

Establishes the early college credit and career pathways program within the department of education to provide incentives and financial assistance for students to earn college credit or industry credentials and licenses.

Awards up to $1,600 per student per fiscal year through a new early college credit and career pathways fund for completing qualifying certificates/credentials/licenses ($1,000), passing grades in dual/concurrent enrollment courses ($50 per credit hour, capped at $300-$600 depending on grade level), and passing qualifying examinations ($450).

Requires the office of economic opportunity to provide an in-demand education list by September 1 annually identifying top occupations by industry, and establishes a quality skills commission to review career technical education credentials lists by February 1 annually.

Allows school districts, charter schools, and career technical education districts to use awarded funds for teacher professional development, student cost offsets, program development, instructional materials, college/career exploration activities, and incentive bonuses to teachers and staff.

Repeals previous college credit by examination fund and Arizona industry credentials incentive fund, transferring their remaining monies to the new early college credit and career pathways fund; modifies teacher professional development scholarship requirements from three-year to one-year service commitment.