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NJ AR195

NJ AR195
Urges public high schools in New Jersey to create "Pathways to Purpose Week".


summary

Introduced
06/19/2025
In Committee
06/19/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026

Introduced Session

2024-2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This resolution urges New Jersey high schools to recognize the multiple pathways to success after graduation by creating a "Pathways to Purpose Week." This week is meant to expand upon the "College Decision Days" when many New Jersey high schools celebrate graduating seniors confirming enrollment into college. A significant portion of high school students do not enroll in college immediately following high school, around 30 percent according to the most recently available Department of Education data. The decision to pursue a path other than higher education after leaving high school can still be a successful one. Apprenticeship and military service are two such paths for success that are available for young people to pursue and are worthy of recognition. Apprenticeships combine trade specific formal instruction and paid on-the-job training. Military enlistment has a long term career option or a shorter period of active service with an avenue of subsidized higher education afterwards. This week highlights the numerous pathways to purpose available to both provide an example for younger students and those who have not yet chosen their path and to honor the graduating seniors who have mapped their plan.

AI Summary

This resolution urges New Jersey public high schools to establish a "Pathways to Purpose Week" during the week containing May 1st, recognizing that success after high school can take multiple forms beyond traditional college enrollment. The resolution acknowledges that approximately 30 percent of high school seniors do not immediately enroll in higher education and seeks to highlight alternative paths such as apprenticeships and military service. By creating this dedicated week, the resolution aims to celebrate and validate different post-graduation choices, including college enrollment, trade-based apprenticeships (which combine formal instruction with paid on-the-job training), and military enlistment. The initiative is particularly timely given a presidential executive order targeting increased apprenticeship opportunities and data showing New Jersey's underrepresentation in military enlistment among 18-24 year-olds. The resolution's core purpose is to demonstrate that each post-graduation pathway is valuable and worthy of recognition, helping to broaden students' understanding of potential career and educational opportunities beyond the traditional four-year college route.

Committee Categories

Education

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Education Committee (on 06/19/2025)

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