AZ SB1631

Establishes the STEM and vocational teacher capacity growth pilot program in the department of education to provide paid summer internships and professional development training to eligible high school teachers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and career and technical education.

Limits eligibility to high school districts with at least 25,000 students (75% eligible for free or reduced-price lunches, 80% Hispanic), operating at least 24 school sites in counties with populations exceeding 4 million, and offering bioscience, coding, and gifted/talented programs.

Requires nonprofit organizations to secure paid internships (minimum $6,000 per summer) for eligible teachers and provide professional development, industry site visits, guest speakers, and coaching sessions during summer 2025-2026, 2026-2027, and 2027-2028.

Requires participating districts to submit quarterly and semi-annual reports tracking teacher retention, student performance, business engagement, and survey results from teachers, students, and local businesses, with a comprehensive final report due October 31, 2028.

Appropriates $250,000 from the state general fund for each of fiscal years 2025-2026, 2026-2027, and 2027-2028 to participating school districts, with the program automatically repealing December 31, 2029.