You asked if the state has a program to attract minority teachers to smaller towns and, if so, what the funding for the program is.

Connecticut does not have any program specifically to attract minority teachers to work in smaller towns. But it does have the Minority Teacher Incentive Program, which is intended to encourage minority students to become public school teachers. The biennial budget appropriates $431,374 in FY 06 and $481,374 in FY 07 to the Department of Higher Education (DHE) for the program.

The Minority Teacher Incentive Program offers scholarships to minority juniors and seniors enrolled in teacher preparation programs at Connecticut colleges and universities. The program provides grants of up to $5,000 per year for two years and loan reimbursements of up to $2,500 per year for up to four years of teaching in a Connecticut public school. Total aid cannot exceed $20,000 per person.

To qualify, a candidate must be a full-time college junior or senior; be African-American, Hispanic/Latino, Asian American, or Native American; and be nominated by the education dean or other appropriate official at whatever participating college the candidate attends. Candidates who have already graduated from college and plan to attend DHE's alternate route to certification may also be eligible (CGS § 10a-168a).

The following Connecticut public and private colleges and universities participate:

Central Connecticut State University

Connecticut College

Eastern Connecticut State University

Fairfield University

Quinnipiac University

Sacred Heart University

St. Joseph College

Southern Connecticut State University

University of Connecticut

University of Hartford

Western Connecticut State University

Yale University

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