Bill > A05685

This bill modifies the New York state masters-in-education teacher incentive scholarship program by expanding eligibility and clarifying scholarship award preferences. Specifically, the bill replaces references to "public institutions of higher education" with broader language referencing "colleges" as defined in state education law, which likely allows students from both public and private colleges to potentially qualify. To be eligible, students must have earned their undergraduate degree in New York state, been a state resident during their undergraduate studies, demonstrated academic excellence, enroll full-time in an approved master's in education program, and commit to teaching in a New York public elementary or secondary school (including charter schools) for five years after completing their degree. The bill introduces a preference system that prioritizes scholarships for students at public colleges first, with any remaining scholarships then available to students from private colleges in New York state. This adjustment appears designed to provide more flexible scholarship opportunities for aspiring teachers while maintaining a preference for public educational institutions.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A5685