New Jersey Assembly Bill ACR110

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/28/22
• Refer: 2/28/22

Caption

Urges Secretary of Higher Education and Educational Opportunity Fund Board to study and modernize program regulations, particularly regulations related to student funding priority levels.

Impact

The resolution highlights a significant issue with current EOF regulations, which do not adequately accommodate recent changes to education policy encouraging dual enrollment and college readiness courses. As it stands, students who earn college credits in high school are placed at a lower priority for EOF funding compared to traditional first-year students. This misalignment with state educational goals may lead to fewer students pursuing dual enrollment opportunities, ultimately hindering access to higher education for many economically disadvantaged individuals.

Summary

ACR110 is a concurrent resolution introduced in New Jersey that urges the Secretary of Higher Education and the Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) Board of Directors to study and modernize regulations governing the EOF program. This resolution specifically addresses the funding priority levels for students, particularly those who have earned associate degrees through participation in dual enrollment programs while in high school. The EOF program was established to support educationally and economically disadvantaged students, providing them the opportunity for financial aid that covers various college-related expenses not met by the state's Tuition Aid Grant program.

Contention

Debate surrounding ACR110 centers on the existing funding structure that may inadvertently create barriers for students benefiting from dual enrollment and other college preparation initiatives. Proponents argue that updating the EOF regulations is essential to ensure fair treatment for all students regardless of their high school achievements, while critics may be concerned about the changes implicating how state funding is allocated to various student populations. The resolution seeks to encourage a more equitable funding environment that aligns with modern educational strategies aimed at increasing college readiness and access.