appropriation; dual enrollment training; scholarships

SB 1677 appropriates $500,000 from Arizona's state general fund for fiscal years 2025-2026 through 2027-2028 to fund scholarships covering training costs for eligible teachers. It directly affects licensed teachers in Arizona public school districts or charter schools that: (1) do not offer dual enrollment courses (college classes taken while in high school), and (2) serve at least 75% of students eligible for free/reduced lunch. The scholarships cover actual training costs (minus other financial aid received) for teachers completing approved programs to become dual enrollment instructors. The Arizona Board of Regents must report annually on applicants, participating schools, and average scholarship amounts, with the program set to expire after December 31, 2029.