Bill
A 3073
The bill funds targeted supports for neurodiverse students at county colleges, including accessibility coordinators, faculty training, and STEM facility grants to boost inclusion a
This bill establishes several programs at New Jersey county colleges to support neurodiverse students and to improve accessibility, inclusion, and STEM/AI education opportunities. It also creates a dedicated grant program to fund facility improvements for neurodiverse students. An appropriation is provided to fund these initiatives.
1) Accessibility Coordinator Pilot Program
- Create a two-year pilot program, overseen by the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE) in coordination with the New Jersey Council of County Colleges.
- Purpose: Allocate funds to three county colleges (one in each region: northern, central, southern) to hire accessibility coordinators who are trained to counsel neurodiverse students.
- Responsibilities of coordinators (minimum): intentional academic advising; help navigating campus and community resources; connect students with job opportunities and employers.
- Selection and administration: OSHE administers the program and conducts a competitive application process for selecting participating colleges; colleges must submit proposals detailing coordinator duties, qualifications, training, and partnerships with state programs/resources.
- Accountability: After year one, OSHE must report progress to the Governor and Legislature; after two years, OSHE must report on overall effectiveness, with data from participating colleges.
2) Professional Development for Faculty and Staff
- The New Jersey Council of County Colleges must provide professional development and training to county college faculty and staff on supporting neurodiverse students.
- Training goals: promote inclusiveness and student success; provide resources for transitioning neurodiverse students to postsecondary education and the workforce; identify and address needs, modify curricula, and determine individualized supports.
- Delivery: statewide sessions and optional half-day workshops (in-person or remote).
3) County College Inclusive STEM Infrastructure Grant Program
- OSHE shall establish a grant program to fund capital construction projects that extend or improve facilities used for STEM or AI instruction/research and that accommodate neurodiverse students.
- Application process: counties must submit a board resolution, project description, other funding sources, and partnerships with state programs supporting neurodiverse students.
- Eligible costs: capital improvements such as lighting, flexible furniture, sensory-friendly spaces, and equipment for interactive learning or assistive technology.
- Grant details: individual grants between $25,000 and $50,000; OSHE reviews and approves grants and sets the grant amount per project.
4) Collaboration with Four-Year Institutions
- Encourages collaboration between county colleges and four-year higher education institutions to bolster professional development, align curricula for transfer, and develop partnerships to support neurodiverse students.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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