Pilot program for Native teacher apprentices

(a) Definitions In this section: (1) ESEA definitions The terms elementary school and secondary school have the meanings given the terms in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801). (2) Education-related occupation The term education-related occupation includes the occupations of childcare worker, preschool teacher, teaching assistant, elementary school teacher, secondary school teacher, elementary school or secondary school administrator, and any other educational occupation approved by the Secretary of Labor for purposes of a registered apprenticeship program. (3) Eligible entity The term eligible entity means— (A) an entity that— (i) is— (I) an Indian Tribe; (II) a Tribal organization; (III) a Native Hawaiian organization, as defined in section 6207 of the Native Hawaiian Education Act (20 U.S.C. 7517); or (IV) an Indian Head Start program; and (ii) enters into a partnership for purposes of a grant under this section with an institution of postsecondary education described in any of subclauses (I) through (IV) of subparagraph (B)(i); or (B) a postsecondary education institution that— (i) is— (I) a Tribal College or University, as defined in section 316 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1059c); (II) a Native American-serving, nontribal institution, as defined in section 319 of such Act (20 U.S.C. 1059f); (III) an Alaska Native-serving institution or a Native Hawaiian-serving institution, as defined in section 317 of such Act (20 U.S.C. 1059d); or (IV) another institution of higher education, as defined in section 101 of such Act (20 U.S.C. 1001); and (ii) enters into a partnership for purposes of the grant under this section with an Indian Tribe or organization described in any of subclauses (I) through (III) of subparagraph (A)(i). (4) Indian head start program The term Indian Head Start program means a Head Start program (including an Early Head Start program) funded under section 645(d)(1) of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9840(d)(1)) and operated by an Indian tribe (as defined in section 637 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 9832)), Tribal organization, or other entity serving primarily Native American children and families. (5) Registered apprenticeship The term registered apprenticeship means an apprenticeship registered under the Act of August 16, 1937 (commonly known as the National Apprenticeship Act; 50 Stat. 664, chapter 663; 29 U.S.C. 50 et seq.). (6) Secretary The term Secretary means the Secretary of Health and Human Services. (7) Teacher apprenticeship program The term teacher apprenticeship program means an apprenticeship program through which individuals receive accreditation or certification in an education-related occupation. (b) In general The Secretary, acting through the Commissioner of the Administration for Native Americans, shall establish a pilot program to provide grants to eligible entities to carry out teacher apprenticeship programs to address the shortage of education professionals serving Native American early childhood programs and Native American elementary school and secondary school students, particularly in remote or rural communities. (c) Activities An eligible entity receiving a grant under this section shall use grant funds to carry out 1 or more of the following: (1) The planning and establishment of a teacher apprenticeship program, including the creation of a unique community-tailored curriculum for such an apprenticeship program. (2) The support and expansion of an existing teacher apprenticeship program. (3) The investigation of efficacy of a teacher apprenticeship program in teacher retention and satisfaction and student outcomes (including student well-being). (4) Providing wraparound services to students in the teacher apprenticeship program, which may include the following: (A) Tuition. (B) Textbooks and other class materials. (C) Technology, such as laptops and internet stipends. (D) Childcare support. (E) Salaries or stipends for program staff, such as a coordinator or student mentors. (F) Any other activity, item, or service included in the student's cost of attendance, as defined in section 472 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1087ll), for the program. (d) Application; selection (1) Award basis (A) Selection The Secretary shall select not fewer than 5 eligible entities to receive a grant as part of the pilot program under this section. (B) Priority In selecting eligible entities to receive a grant under this section, the Secretary shall give priority to eligible entities serving rural or remote communities with demonstrated shortages of teachers or in other education-related occupations. (2) Application Each eligible entity desiring to receive a grant under this section shall submit an application to the Secretary, at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary shall reasonably require, including the following: (A) A detailed description of the program for which the grant is requested, including— (i) the relevant degree or certification program for program participants; (ii) the workplaces in which program participants will serve as paid apprentices; (iii) mentorship plans for program participants; and (iv) additional resources for program participants. (B) A detailed budget for the program. (C) A detailed description of the challenges faced by the community to be served by the program with respect to teacher and other educator recruitment and retention, and how the program will address such challenges. (D) A detailed description of a plan to be carried out by the eligible entity to evaluate the program supported with grant funds under this section. (E) In the case of an eligible entity that determines that the objectives of the program would be accomplished more effectively through a partnership arrangement with an educational entity (such as a school or preschool) at which participants will be placed in teacher apprenticeships, an identification of such entity as a partner. (e) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2032.