There is a Teacher Quality and Diversity Program to assist institutions of higher education in: Taking advantage of national foundation efforts to develop highly qualified teachers and leaders from diverse backgrounds; and Aiding students from groups historically underrepresented in the teaching profession in achieving teacher preparation and certification requirements. The Maryland Higher Education Commission shall implement and administer the Teacher Quality and Diversity Program under this subtitle. The Commission shall give priority to historically black colleges and universities and Hispanic–serving institutions with a track record of preparing diverse and high–quality teachers in making grants under this subtitle.

If an institution of higher education receives grant funding from a non–State source to increase the quality and diversity of applicants for the institution’s teacher training program, the institution may receive additional grant funding from the State, as needed, in an amount equal to or less than the non–State grant received by the institution. In each fiscal year, the amount of grant funding provided by the State to institutions of higher education in accordance with subsection (a) of this section may not exceed $500,000.

The Commission shall provide assistance with applying for grants under this subtitle to institutions of higher education that are required under § 6–123 of this article to seek grant funding to increase the quality and diversity of applicants for the institution’s teacher training program.

There is a Teacher Quality and Diversity Grant Program within the Teacher Quality and Diversity Program. The purpose of the Teacher Quality and Diversity Grant Program is to provide grants to teacher preparation programs at institutions of higher education to assist students from groups historically underrepresented in the teaching profession in achieving teacher preparation and certification requirements. The Maryland Higher Education Commission shall administer the Teacher Quality and Diversity Grant Program by awarding grants totaling at least $500,000 each year: To applicants on a competitive basis; and In a manner that serves the purpose of the Grant Program. The Maryland Higher Education Commission may adopt regulations to carry out this section.

The Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation of at least $1,000,000 to the Teacher Quality and Diversity Program. Subject to the provisions of this subtitle, the Maryland Higher Education Commission may use the funds appropriated under subsection (a) of this section to award funding to institutions of higher education under § 17–402 or § 17–404 of this subtitle.