The $2 million to the Iowa College Student Aid Commission will be used to supplement Iowa's forgivable loan program that helps encourage students to stay in Iowa and teach in shortage areas. The Iowa Teacher Shortage Forgivable Loan Program requires that eligible students be Iowa residents at the sophomore, junior, senior or graduate level enrolled at least half-time in an accredited education program leading to a degree and certification for teaching in a shortage area. For more information go to http://www.state.ia.us/collegeaid/loans/teacher_shortage_info.html.
"Iowa is a great place to live and teach. Unfortunately we have a difficult time retaining teachers once they've finished their post-secondary education. Iowa produces great teachers, but one of the most important things we need to do is keep them in Iowa," Grassley said.
The English Language Learners program helps provide bilingual or English as a second language training to students, teachers, professionals and parents. The English Language Learners program will help students increase their academic achievement in school.
"Many Iowa communities have seen tremendous growth in the number of English Language Learners. Public schools play an important role in helping these student adjust to living in Iowa and learning the English language," Grassley said.