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Bill

SB 174

Virginia Student Teacher Scholarship Program; established, report.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Stella Pekarsky

Virginia establishes a student teacher scholarship program to attract education degree candidates and improve teacher workforce pipeline through financial support incentives.

Continued to next session in Finance and Appropriations (15-Y 0-N)
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Bill Summary · SB 174

Legislative bill overview

SB 174 establishes a Virginia Student Teacher Scholarship Program designed to provide financial support to students pursuing teaching degrees and credentials. The bill also requires a report on the program's implementation, structure, and effectiveness to be submitted to the General Assembly.

Why is this important

Teacher shortages remain a significant challenge in Virginia and across the United States, affecting classroom quality and student outcomes. Scholarship programs targeting future teachers can increase the pipeline of qualified educators while reducing student debt burden, potentially making teaching careers more financially attractive to talented candidates.

Potential points of contention

  • Program funding and cost: The fiscal impact statement suggests budgetary considerations; lawmakers may debate whether appropriations are sufficient or if funds should be allocated elsewhere
  • Eligibility criteria and service requirements: Unclear whether recipients must commit to teaching in Virginia schools or specific regions, which affects return-on-investment for taxpayers
  • Program scope and scale: Questions about how many students the program will serve, whether it covers tuition only or living expenses, and how it compares to existing scholarship programs

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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