New Jersey Senate Bill S144

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

Under this bill, eligible students can receive up to three credits per semester, with a maximum of six credits in total during their 11th and 12th grade years. The selection of participants will follow the eligibility criteria similar to those set by the New Jersey Educational Opportunity Fund, which emphasizes family need. The state will bear the tuition costs for eligible students, alleviating financial burdens and promoting higher education aspirations among low-income communities.

Summary

Senate Bill S144, known as the 'New Jersey College Ready Students Program Act,' aims to make college education more accessible to high school students by providing tuition-free enrollment in dual enrollment courses at county colleges. This initiative targets public high school students enrolled in the 11th and 12th grades who meet specific eligibility criteria. The program not only encourages students to take on college-level courses while still in high school but also aligns with the state's goal of improving educational outcomes and college readiness for young learners.

Contention

Some potential points of contention surround the rigorous eligibility requirements, such as the minimum grade point average that students must maintain to remain eligible for the program. Critics may argue that these academic standards could inadvertently exclude students who are capable but may not meet the set GPA thresholds, thus limiting inclusivity. Additionally, the requirement that school districts must have dual enrollment agreements with county colleges could pose challenges for schools that lack such partnerships, potentially leaving out certain segments of the student population.