CT HB07168

Department of Education must establish a tuition assistance program by January 1, 2026, covering remaining tuition costs for eligible students enrolled in teacher preparation programs at Connecticut public colleges, with recipients required to teach in state public schools for at least five years after graduation.

Eligible students must have a B+ high school GPA, be classified as in-state, maintain satisfactory academic progress, complete FAFSA, and accept all available financial aid; up to 50 students may receive assistance each semester on a rolling basis.

A separate scholarship program administered by the Talent Office will provide annual scholarships to teachers who completed alternative certification routes and enroll in master's degree programs at state institutions, awarded first-come, first-served.

$5 million is appropriated from the General Fund to the Department of Education for fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, to fund the tuition assistance program.

Annual reporting to the General Assembly education committee is required starting January 1, 2027, covering enrollment numbers, completion rates, tuition assistance amounts, and employment placement data.