In order to be eligible for a critical teaching needs scholarship, a student shall:

(1) Agree, in writing, to stay in South Dakota and work in a critical teaching needs area for five years after graduation from a participating postsecondary institution;

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(2) Agree, through a promissory note, that failure to abide by the provisions of subdivision (1) will result in the scholarship being converted into an interest-bearing loan;

(3) Attend a participating South Dakota postsecondary institution as an undergraduate enrolled in the student’s final two years of postsecondary education and be enrolled in an elementary or secondary education program at the institution that is preparing the student to work in a critical need teaching area; and

(4) Be a United States citizen or lawful permanent resident.

For purposes of subdivision (3), the student shall be fully admitted into a teacher education program at the institution and shall successfully complete a student teaching experience within the final two years of attendance.

A student is eligible to participate in the South Dakota critical teaching needs scholarship program for the equivalent of two academic years (four consecutive spring and fall terms) or until the attainment of a baccalaureate degree in elementary or secondary education in a critical need teaching area, whichever comes first. However, the Critical Teaching Needs Scholarship Board may grant exceptions to the continuous enrollment requirements for good cause.

Scholarships are not provided for summer session students enrolled in traditional four-year programs.

Source: SL 2013, ch 91, § 5, eff. Mar. 20, 2013.