CNBNews

(TRENTON) — More New Jersey students would have access to higher education scholarship funding under legislation that cleared the Assembly Higher Education Committee on Monday. Bill A1895, sponsored by Assemblyman Herb Conaway and Assemblywoman Linda Carter, would broaden eligibility requirements for the New Jersey Student Tuition Assistance Reward Scholarship (NJ STARS) Program, creating a pathway for additional high school graduates to achieve their educational aspirations.

“For two decades, the NJ STARS Program has been a critical resource for students who may otherwise struggle with the costs of attending college, and it is no secret that students progress through their educational journey at different speeds,” said Assemblyman Conaway (D-Burlington). “This legislation recognizes that reality and would ensure that deserving students are not penalized for taking the time they need to prepare for college-level coursework or manage life’s challenges.”

NJ STARS is a scholarship program designed to provide academically high-achieving high school students with free tuition at their local county colleges. Under current law, in order to be eligible for the scholarship, students must meet specific skill requirements and demonstrate college readiness by attaining a certain score on their college placement exams.

Bill A1895 would remove this one-year limit, giving students additional time to improve their scores on placement exams, and offer additional flexibility for students needing remedial course work. 

“This bill would open the doors to higher education for students who need more time to meet the necessary requirements. By removing the time limitations, we are giving students the chance they need to succeed and continue their education at their own pace, without the pressure of an arbitrary deadline,” said Assemblywoman Carter (D-Somerset, Union). “The goal is to ensure that every student, regardless of their immediate academic challenges, has an opportunity to benefit from the NJ STARS Program.”

A 2023 report from the New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA) noted that in Academic Year 2022-2023, only 2,285 New Jersey students earned affordable access to a postsecondary degree through the NJ STARS and NJ STARS II scholarship. NJ STARS II provides scholarship funding to eligible NJ STARS participants who have earned their associates degree and are transferring to a participating four-year institution.

“This isn’t just an investment in our students, but an investment in our future workforce, and our future leaders. We must do everything we can to support them throughout their journey,” added Assemblyman Conaway.