New Jersey Assembly Bill A5621

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/20/23
• Refer: 6/20/23

Caption

Establishes "Dual Enrollment Grant Program" for NJ institutions of higher education to expand opportunities for students to earn college credits while in high school.

Impact

The establishment of this grant program is expected to significantly impact state education policy, particularly by encouraging institutions of higher education to partner with high schools. By making college courses accessible to high school students, A5621 seeks to reduce barriers to higher education, potentially increasing the enrollment rates of students in college-level programs. This initiative could also lead to a higher number of students graduating with college credits before even completing their high school education, thereby promoting educational advancement in the state.

Summary

Assembly Bill A5621 aims to establish a 'Dual Enrollment Grant Program' in New Jersey, designed to expand opportunities for high school students to earn college credits. The bill proposes to allocate $7 million to New Jersey institutions of higher education that are willing to provide college-level courses to high school students, either on their campuses or within high schools. The funds generated through this grant program are expected to facilitate the dual enrollment process, enhancing students' educational experiences.

Contention

While the bill has received support for its potential to enrich educational opportunities, concerns may arise regarding the execution of the grant program. Factors such as selection criteria for grant distribution and the competitive nature of the fund allocation could lead to disparities in funding among institutions. Furthermore, there may be debates about whether the focus should be on supporting dual enrollment initiatives with public funding or if existing higher education resources should be reallocated to achieve this goal.