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ARIZONA STATE SENATE

Fifty-Seventh Legislature, Second Regular Session

FACT SHEET FOR S.C.R. 1012

community college students; teachers academy

Purpose

Subject to voter approval, statutorily increases the maximum number of academic years, from two to four, and semesters, from four to eight, that a community college student may participate in the Arizona Teachers Academy (Academy).

Background

The Academy incentivizes students to enter the teaching profession and to commit to teach in Arizona public schools by providing enrolled students an annual scholarship award up to the amount of the following, reduced by all other financial aid: 1) tuition and fees for undergraduate, graduate and community college students as outlined; 2) a National Board Certification (NBC) or renewal; and 3) a teaching certificate. For each academic year that a student receives a scholarship for tuition and fees, the student must teach for one school year in an Arizona public school. For teachers seeking an NBC, the teaching commitment is one additional year after completing the NBC requirements. An eligible community college student may receive an Academy scholarship for a maximum of two academic years or four semesters for tuition and fees associated with the student's program of study.

The Arizona Board of Regents administers the Academy Fund and distributes Academy Fund monies to eligible postsecondary institutions for scholarship reimbursements and specified Academy costs. If a scholarship does not cover tuition and fees after all other financial aid, the institution may not charge students for the remaining amount (A.R.S. § 15-1655).

There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.

Provisions

1. Increases the maximum number of academic years, from two to four, and semesters, from four to eight, that a community college student may participate in the Academy.

2. Requires the Secretary of State to submit the proposition to voters at the next general election.

3. Becomes effective if approved by the voters and on proclamation by the Governor.

Prepared by Senate Research

February 13, 2026

MH/SM/hk