Establishes "Summer Earn and Learn Pilot Program."
The pilot program will allow school districts, charter schools, and renaissance schools to provide structured supplemental learning during summer breaks, addressing educational gaps exacerbated by the pandemic. It sets forth guidelines for eligibility, which includes being a resident of New Jersey, meeting minimum employment age requirements, and being enrolled in a qualifying school. The program also requires the Department of Education to collaborate with the Department of Labor and Workforce Development to develop standardized procedures and establish partnerships with agencies to facilitate student employment opportunities.
Senate Bill S2207 establishes the 'Summer Earn and Learn Pilot Program' within New Jersey's Department of Education. This initiative aims to provide students access to supplemental learning assistance while enabling them to engage in paid career-building employment opportunities during the summer months. The bill acknowledges the significant challenges faced by students and families due to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, including learning losses and increased responsibilities at home. The intent is to help students balance educational support and financial needs without having to choose one over the other.
Critically, S2207 includes stipulations regarding how stipends for student participants will be funded, primarily utilizing federal sources such as the CARES Act and other pandemic recovery funds. The bill also ensures that participating students are not subjected to the child labor laws governing regular school sessions while engaged in this program. However, potential concerns may arise around the sufficiency of funding and the scope of opportunities available to students, which may lead to debates among stakeholders about program effectiveness and reach as it is evaluated in the years following its implementation.