Bill
S 3552
Creates a grant program to expand high school CTE dual enrollment with college credits, prioritizing sustainable, post-grant offerings.
S 3552 — Career and Technical Education Dual Enrollment Grant Program (Introduced version)
Overview
S 3552 would establish a new grant program under the New Jersey Secretary of Higher Education to expand dual enrollment opportunities for high school students in career and technical education (CTE). The program aims to increase college-credit CTE coursework completed by high school students, delivered either on college campuses or in high schools.
Purpose and Scope
- Create the Career and Technical Education Dual Enrollment Grant Program to fund public institutions of higher education (IHEs) that expand or provide college-level CTE instruction to high school students.
- Prioritize programs designed to operate beyond the period of available grant funding, thereby promoting sustainability.
Key Provisions
- Grant program administrator: The Secretary of Higher Education (SOHE) would establish and administer the program.
- Eligible recipients: Public institutions of higher education may apply to participate.
- Grant uses: Funds must be used to expand opportunities for earning college credits in CTE coursework while in high school; the secretary will set allowable uses in a notice of grant opportunity.
- Application requirements: Each applicant must submit a plan for establishing or expanding CTE dual enrollment, details on existing programs, capacity to offer CTE dual enrollment alongside traditional coursework, the number of students that can be served and anticipated participants, plus any other information deemed necessary by the secretary.
- Selection and awards: Grants awarded through a competitive process, based on application reviews and funding availability; the secretary will establish grant amounts and give preference to programs designed to operate beyond the duration of the grant funding.
- Reporting: The SOHE must report annually to the Governor and the Legislature on the program, including the number of applicants, number and amount of grants, students supported, the program’s impact on state workforce shortages, and recommendations about continuation or expansion.
Funding and Fiscal Aspects
- Appropriation: $5,000,000 is appropriated from the General Fund to fund the program.
- Additional funding: The Legislature may appropriate additional amounts as needed to support the program.
- Effective date: The act takes effect on the first day of the seventh month after enactment, with the SOHE allowed to take anticipatory administrative action to implement provisions.
Administration and Oversight
- The SOHE is responsible for setting program criteria, reviewing applications, awarding grants, and ensuring compliance with program goals.
- The act requires annual reporting to the Governor and Legislature.
Legislative Actions and Sponsorship
- Status: Introduced in the Senate on September 12, 2024; subsequently referred to the Crime Victims, Crime and Correction committee (as of the latest actions listed).
- Primary sponsor: Senator George Borrello.
- Related/companion measures: A 4403 (companion), A 2355 (companion), and S 9872 (prior-session).
Impact and Considerations
- Expands access to college-credit CTE for high school students, potentially alleviating workforce shortages by building a pipeline of prepared graduates.
- Emphasizes program sustainability beyond grant funding through preference criteria.
- Requires public IHEs to coordinate with high schools to implement or expand dual enrollment offerings.
- Fiscal note centers on a $5 million initial appropriation with potential for additional funding if warranted.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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