MN HF4478

Creates a grant program administered by the Office of Higher Education to provide student teaching stipends to low-income students in Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board-approved teacher preparation programs who intend to teach in rural areas after graduation.

Defines "rural area" as any economic development region except region 11 (based on Governor's Executive Order 83-15 from March 15, 1983).

Establishes eligibility requirements including enrollment in a baccalaureate-level program with at least 12 weeks of student teaching, demonstration of financial need, satisfactory academic progress, enrollment in a rural teacher preparation program, and a written commitment to teach in a rural area.

Authorizes stipends up to $7,500 per academic year, with the commissioner determining actual amounts based on available funding, eligible applicants, and financial need; allows prioritization based on financial need or intent to teach in teacher shortage areas if funding is insufficient.

Appropriates funding for fiscal year 2021 as a onetime allocation available until June 30, 2023, with the program and funding authority expiring June 30, 2023.