Establishes television and broadcasting scholarship and grant programs; appropriates $300,000.
Impact
This legislation represents a significant investment in providing equitable access to education within the media sector. By appropriating $280,000 from the General Fund for scholarships and an additional $20,000 for grants, A5623 aims to alleviate financial barriers for underrepresented students. Furthermore, the bill mandates an annual reporting mechanism that will track scholarship and grant distribution, helping to assess the program's effectiveness and sustainability over time.
Summary
Assembly Bill A5623 establishes scholarship and grant programs aimed specifically at promoting diversity in the field of television production and broadcasting. The initiative requires the New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (NJHESAA) to create a scholarship program designated for men and women of color pursuing undergraduate studies in television production or broadcasting. Ten scholarships will be awarded, each valued at $28,000, distributed in four annual disbursements to assist recipients in managing their educational expenses effectively.
Contention
While this bill has garnered support from various stakeholders advocating for increased representation in media, it may raise questions about the allocation of state resources and the focus on specific demographic groups. Critics might argue whether targeted scholarships undermine merit-based funding opportunities. Nonetheless, proponents argue that such measures are critical for addressing historical inequities in media representation and providing role models for future generations.
Implementation
In addition to scholarships, A5623 establishes a grant program managed by the Secretary of Higher Education to enhance training and mentorship for undergraduate students in the television and broadcasting fields. This program will provide two institutions of higher education with $10,000 each to create valuable partnerships and training opportunities that prepare students for successful careers, effectively bridging the gap between education and industry requirements.
Establishes program to provide free tuition under State Tuition Aid Grant Program to certain students who are accepted to public four-year institutions of higher education and elect to attend county college for first two years.
The skilled workforce student loan repayment and scholarship programs, Native American scholarships, and the North Dakota scholarship; and to provide an appropriation.
Establishes scholarship program for students at public institutions of higher education pursuing certain community service-oriented opportunities; requires Secretary of Higher Education to establish grant program; appropriates $10 million.
Relating to the exemption from ad valorem taxation of property owned by a charitable organization and used to provide tax return preparation and other financial services without regard to the beneficiaries' ability to pay.
Relating to an exemption from ad valorem taxation of property owned by a charitable organization that provides services related to the placement of a child in a foster or adoptive home.