pilot programs; STEM teachers; districts

SB 1101 establishes a pilot program providing paid summer internships and professional development for STEM and vocational teachers in specific Arizona high school districts. Eligible districts must serve grades 9-12 with at least 25,000 students (75% qualifying for free/reduced lunch, 80% Hispanic), operate 24+ sites in high-population counties, and offer bioscience/coding programs. Participating schools must partner with nonprofits to provide teachers with $6,000 summer stipends, industry internships, and professional development over three years. The program requires districts to submit quarterly and annual reports tracking teacher retention, student performance in STEM courses, business partnerships, and budget usage.