(1) The Teacher/Quest Scholarship Program is created for the purpose of providing teachers with the opportunity to enhance their knowledge of science, mathematics, and computer applications in business, industry, and government. A school district or developmental research school may propose that one or more teachers be granted a Teacher/Quest Scholarship by submitting to the Department of Education:

(a) A project proposal specifying activities a teacher will carry out to improve his or her: 1. Understanding of mathematical, scientific, or computing concepts; 2. Ability to apply and demonstrate such concepts through instruction; 3. Knowledge of vocational requirements for competency in mathematics, science, and computing; and 4. Ability to integrate and apply technological concepts from all three fields; and

(b) A contractual agreement with a private corporation or governmental agency that implements the project proposal and guarantees employment to the teacher during a summer or other period when schools are out of session. The agreement must stipulate a salary rate that does not exceed regular rates of pay and a gross salary amount consistent with applicable statutory and contractual provisions for the teachers' employment. The teachers' compensation shall be provided for on an equally matched basis by funds from the Challenger Astronauts Memorial Undergraduate Scholarship Trust Fund, as provided for in s. 240.408, and funds from the employing corporation or agency.

(2) This section shall be administered subject to the availability of funds from the Challenger Astronauts Memorial Undergraduate Scholarship Trust Fund and such authority as may be exercised by the Challenger Astronauts Memorial Foundation over such fund. History: s. 6, ch. 89-298; s. 10, ch. 95-143; s. 59, ch. 95-148.