Senate Bill 766 Summary

• Establishes the "Student Teachers Stipend Program" to provide financial incentives for student teachers serving in at-risk schools, defined as schools where at least 50% of students meet income eligibility criteria for free or reduced-priced lunch programs.

• Awards stipends of up to $1,000 per academic year to eligible student teachers, with amounts adjustable on a pro rata basis depending on available funding.

• Requires applicants to be Michigan legal residents, meet state student teaching requirements, accept positions in at-risk schools beginning on or after July 1 following application, and submit applications by July 1.

• Creates a dedicated Student Teachers Stipend Fund in the state treasury, administered by the Department of Treasury, to receive and distribute appropriations and other funding sources for stipend awards.

• Grants the Department of Education authority to develop application forms, establish eligibility requirements, promulgate administrative rules, and administer the overall program.