(2) The Teacher Development and Retention Program is a pilot program designed to incentivize a cohort of students to pursue a career in the teaching profession.

(b) (1) The purpose of the Program is to provide support to eligible individuals who ultimately pledge to fulfill a service obligation as a teacher employed full-time in a high-needs school, grade level, or content area in the State in which there is a shortage of teachers, as identified by the Department.

(2) The Program shall provide financial support to eligible individuals interested in pursuing a career in the teaching profession, beginning by offering eligible individuals a one-time stipend for participation in an experiential learning opportunity in a classroom and concluding by placing those individuals in high-needs schools, grade levels, or content areas.

(c) The Office shall establish eligibility criteria for the Program, including requirements for an applicant to:

(1) Be enrolled in the first or second year at an institution of initial eligibility in an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree program; and

(2) Before receiving an educator internship stipend under § 18-2703 of this subtitle, pledge to fulfill a service obligation as a teacher employed full-time in a high-needs school, grade level, or content area in which there is a shortage of teachers, as identified by the Department, for a minimum of 2 years.

(d) The Office shall administer the Program and establish a process for eligible individuals to apply to the Program.

(e) (1) The Office shall develop a process for awarding stipends to individuals who meet the eligibility criteria for the Program.

(2) The Office shall give preference to applicants who have been employed in a public school or a publicly funded prekindergarten program within the last 5 years.