NJ A3984

Establishes the Jersey Strong Public Service Scholarship Program to provide college scholarships to recent New Jersey high school graduates who work full-time in public service sectors with critical workforce shortages, such as hospitals, public schools, crossing guards, or first responders

Awards up to $25,000 (over 2 years) for students completing one year of full-time public service work, or up to $50,000 (over 4 years) for those completing two years of work, applicable toward attendance at New Jersey public colleges

Limits the program to a maximum of 15 scholarships annually, with the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority administering the program in conjunction with the Department of Labor and Workforce Development

Requires participants to be New Jersey residents, U.S. citizens, and recent or soon-to-be high school graduates employed at minimum wage or higher in eligible positions

Mandates scholarship repayment if a recipient is dismissed or withdraws without approval, but waives repayment for withdrawals due to illness or family emergencies