New Jersey Assembly Bill A374

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/22
• Refer: 1/11/22

Caption

Establishes the New Jersey School Counts County College Scholarship Program.

Impact

Eligible students will receive scholarships worth up to $2,000 per year for a two-year period, contingent upon meeting specific academic and attendance criteria. The scholarships can cover the costs of tuition, books, and other essential expenses associated with attending a county college. This program not only seeks to ease the financial burden of higher education for students but also aims to improve overall academic performance and postsecondary education completion rates in the state.

Summary

Assembly Bill A374 establishes the New Jersey School Counts County College Scholarship Program aimed at providing financial support to students who demonstrate strong attendance and academic efforts during high school. The program is modeled after a recognition initiative initiated by the Business Coalition for Educational Excellence at the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce, which awards certificates to hardworking students in acknowledgment of their commitment to education. The goal is to encourage and reward diligent students and support their transition to higher education.

Contention

A notable point of contention in the discussions surrounding A374 may stem from the eligibility requirements, which mandate high school students to achieve a 95% attendance rate and maintain at least a C grade point average. Critics may argue that such criteria could exclude deserving students who, for various reasons, face challenges in achieving these benchmarks. Additionally, concerns may arise regarding the sustainability of funding for these scholarships, as they rely on a mix of state appropriations, county college funding, and private contributions.