(1) In addition to any other form of student financial aid authorized by law, the Higher Education Coordinating Commission may award scholarships to teacher candidates who have experience with diverse populations to use at approved educator preparation providers, as defined in ORS 342.120.
(2) Scholarships awarded under this section shall be in amounts of $12,000 each academic year, for a maximum of the equivalent of two full-time academic years.
(3) The commission shall adopt rules necessary for the implementation and administration of this section in consultation with the Educator Advancement Council and the Department of Education. Rules adopted under this subsection shall address the ways candidates may demonstrate experience with diverse populations, the establishment of grant amounts and parameters for awarding grants.
(4) As used in this section:
(a) “Diverse” has the meaning given that term in ORS 342.433.
(b) “Teacher candidate” means an individual who is preparing to be a teacher or other school professional licensed, registered or certified by the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission.
(c) “Teacher candidate” does not mean an individual who is preparing to be an administrator.