NJ S2605

Creates the New Jersey Student Teacher Scholarship Program through the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority to reduce financial barriers to teacher certification.

Awards scholarships of up to $7,200 per semester for students completing full-time clinical practice (student teaching) in New Jersey schools, with a maximum of two semesters of funding per student.

Requires scholarship applicants to be New Jersey residents, enrolled full-time in an approved undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, or graduate education program, and eligible for clinical practice through their preparation program.

Authorizes the Authority to limit scholarships to students in high-demand fields such as math, science, special education, world languages, and bilingual education.

Terminates scholarships if students are dismissed for academic or disciplinary reasons, fail criminal background checks, or withdraw due to illness, though no repayment is required in cases of withdrawal for illness or family emergency.