ASSEMBLY HIGHER EDUCATION COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 1895

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  DECEMBER 9, 2024

     The Assembly Higher Education Committee favorably reports Assembly Bill No. 1895.

This bill broadens eligibility for the New Jersey Student Tuition Assistance Reward Scholarship (NJ STARS) Program by permitting later entry into the program than is currently allowed for students who do not initially demonstrate the skill levels required to pursue courses for credit at a county college. 

     Current law provides that if a student meets the eligibility criteria for receipt of a NJ STARS scholarship but is not able to demonstrate the skill levels required to pursue courses for credit at a county college, the student is to have one year to attain and demonstrate college readiness, or the student will lose eligibility for the NJ STARS scholarship.  This bill removes this time limit.  Additionally, State regulation requires an eligible student to enroll in a full-time course of study at a New Jersey county college by the fifth semester after high school graduation.  This bill provides that a student’s eligibility for the program, once established, is not to expire provided that the student meets the program’s eligibility criteria at the time of program participation.  

      This bill was pre-filed for introduction in the 2024-2025 session pending technical review.  As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review, which has been performed.