New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A2146

Introduced
1/9/24  

Caption

Establishes Outstanding Scholars Recruitment Program.

Impact

Under this program, the state will contribute up to 70 percent of the scholarship amount at public institutions and 40 percent at independent institutions, which fosters a competitive educational environment. The scholarship amounts can be as high as $7,500 for exceptionally high-performing students, with decreases based on lower SAT scores and class rankings. Additionally, the bill outlines strict eligibility criteria, including maintaining a 3.0 GPA and continuous full-time enrollment, ensuring that only dedicated students benefit from this financial support.

Summary

Assembly Bill A2146 establishes the Outstanding Scholars Recruitment Program, which aims to provide scholarships for high-achieving students in New Jersey's public and independent institutions of higher education. The program is designed to recruit top students based on their class rank and SAT scores, providing substantial financial assistance to promote academic excellence within the state. By matching state funding with institutional funds, this initiative encourages institutions to actively participate in recruiting and retaining bright students, enhancing the overall educational landscape in New Jersey.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise regarding the program's eligibility requirements, particularly the stipulation that students must maintain certain academic standards to renew their scholarships. Critics might argue that such high expectations could disproportionately affect students facing challenges, such as health issues or family emergencies, especially since the bill allows for exemptions. Furthermore, discussions could surface around the commitment of funding, especially in light of competing budget priorities, potentially impacting the longevity and effectiveness of the program.

Companion Bills

NJ A2887

Carry Over Establishes Outstanding Scholars Recruitment Program.

Previously Filed As

NJ A2887

Establishes Outstanding Scholars Recruitment Program.

NJ HB2249

Relating to the establishment of the Texas Teacher Recruitment Scholarship Program.

NJ SB1013

Establishes the Teacher Recruitment and Retention State Scholarship Program

NJ SB949

Scholarships and Police Officer Recruitment

NJ HB2843

Establishing a scholarship task force to study scholarship programs and creating the Kansas academic excellence scholarship program to replace the Kansas ethnic minority scholarship program.

NJ HB1637

Teacher education scholarship programs.

NJ SB955

Establishes provisions relating to teacher recruitment and retention and creates the "Teacher Baseline Salary Grant Program" and the "Teacher Recruitment and Retention State Scholarship Program"

NJ SB1163

Establishes provisions relating to teacher recruitment and retention and creates the "Teacher Baseline Salary Grant Program" and the "Teacher Recruitment and Retention State Scholarship Program"

NJ HB74

Relating to the establishment of the Texas Teacher Recruitment Scholarship Program and the Texas Teacher Retention Incentive Program.

NJ SB657

Relating to the establishment of the Texas Teacher Recruitment Scholarship Program and the Texas Teacher Retention Incentive Program.

Similar Bills

NJ A2887

Establishes Outstanding Scholars Recruitment Program.

NJ S3566

Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.

NJ A3422

Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.

NJ A5181

Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.

NJ A4152

Establishes program in Higher Education Student Assistance Authority to pay for remaining tuition costs related to certain remedial or developmental courses.

MI HB5505

Appropriations: higher education; appropriations for fiscal year 2024-2025; provide for. Amends secs. 236 & 241 of 1979 PA 94 (MCL 388.1836 & 388.1841).

TX SB175

Relating to the automatic admission of undergraduate students to certain general academic teaching institutions and to scholarship and other programs to facilitate enrollment at institutions of higher education.

MI SB0752

Appropriations: higher education; appropriations for fiscal year 2024-2025; provide for. Amends secs. 236 & 241 of 1979 PA 94 (MCL 388.1836 & 388.1841).