RI S2081

Establishes the Shortage Teaching Fields Tuition Assistance Fund within the Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner to cover tuition, room, board, fees, and additional costs (transportation, child care, books) for students pursuing teaching degrees in shortage fields

Defines shortage teaching fields as subject areas experiencing critical educator shortages, specifically including science and mathematics for grades 7-12

Requires recipients to complete at least 3 years of full-time teaching in a shortage field at any Rhode Island elementary or secondary school; failure to complete the degree program or service requirement converts assistance to a loan

Allows attendance at public or private Rhode Island institutions, with private institution funding capped at Rhode Island College rates; does not require SAT/AP scores for admission or Rhode Island residency

Mandates annual reporting to legislative leadership and the governor beginning August 1, 2027, covering number of recipients, dollar amounts disbursed, shortage areas served, and institutions attended