Kentucky Senate expands dual‑credit scholarship to fund 'Grow Your Own' teacher apprentices; passes 36‑1

FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Kentucky Senate on Jan. 22 approved legislation (SB22) to expand the state's dual‑credit scholarship program to support a registered teacher apprenticeship pathway aimed at addressing teacher shortages, particularly in rural districts.

Senator from Marion, the bill's sponsor, said the "Grow Your Own" approach will let high‑school students earn up to 60 hours of dual‑credit coursework — effectively an associate degree pathway — while receiving paid classroom apprenticeship experience. "This is a grow your own teacher program," the sponsor said, describing how students can work alongside a certified teacher and earn pay while completing clinical hours.

Why it matters: The sponsor framed the bill as a way to lower college debt, strengthen rural schools and create a clear pipeline to teacher certification. The apprenticeship model, he said, reduces an earlier fiscal estimate and limits new state spending: a prior fiscal note had been $7 million, but the sponsor said the registered apprenticeship approach yields a first‑year fiscal estimate of about $104,000 and roughly $214,000 in year two.

Key provisions and timeline: The adopted floor amendment sets a 2.75 cumulative GPA requirement for participating students and limits dual‑credit course accumulation to no more than eight courses per year. The sponsor said participating institutions include Western Kentucky University, Campbellsville University and the University of Louisville, and that the program is scheduled to begin in the 2027 school year.

Liability and employment: During floor debate Senator from Laurel expressed concern about whether apprentices would be considered employees for liability purposes or employees of the school. The sponsor later stated during his roll‑call explanation that the students in the apprenticeship are employees of the school district and are covered by the district for employment purposes.

Vote and next steps: After the clerk called the roll, the measure passed 36 yeas to 1 nay. The sponsor said he will work with colleagues on implementation details and to ensure institutions and districts have clarity on employment and coverage. The bill now moves to the House for consideration.

The Senate also adopted related procedural changes to ensure the chosen floor amendment is reflected publicly on the chamber's displays moving forward.