New Jersey Assembly Bill A2899

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

Caption

Establishes "New Jersey College Ready Students Program Act"; provides tuition-free dual enrollment opportunities at county college for certain high school students.

Impact

This legislation is expected to have significant implications for state education policy, particularly in increasing the number of high school students who can receive college credits while still enrolled in high school. By allowing eligible students to earn up to three tuition-free credits per semester and six per academic year, the program aims to promote college readiness and reduce the financial burden of higher education for families. Furthermore, it establishes a pathway for students to fulfill their college requirements and potentially accelerate their post-secondary education.

Summary

Assembly Bill A2899, known as the 'New Jersey College Ready Students Program Act', aims to enhance educational access for high school students in New Jersey by offering tuition-free enrollment for dual enrollment courses at local county colleges. The bill directs the Commissioner of Education, in consultation with the Secretary of Higher Education, to establish a program that provides financial incentives for students to undertake college-level courses while still in high school. Eligibility for this initiative is tied to the same family need criteria used by the New Jersey Educational Opportunity Fund, ensuring that those who may face financial barriers can benefit from these educational opportunities.

Contention

However, the bill may generate discussions regarding the adequacy of current educational support systems within high schools. Some stakeholders may express concern over the workload imposed on high school students, especially the need to maintain a minimum grade point average to remain eligible for the program. Although students can take one remedial course per semester tuition-free if they fall short of the GPA requirement, critics may argue this approach could still be overwhelming, especially for students who may already be facing challenges in a conventional high school setting. Moreover, the funding of this initiative by the state may be scrutinized amidst other educational budgetary concerns.