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NJ S1498

NJ S1498
Establishes New Jersey Pathways to Career Opportunities Initiative Act.


summary

Introduced
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
01/13/2026
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
01/13/2026

Introduced Session

2026-2027 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill establishes the New Jersey Pathways to Career Opportunities Initiative Act, which codifies the New Jersey Community College Consortium for Workforce and Economic Development's New Jersey Pathways to Career Opportunities Initiative. Under the bill, the New Jersey Community College Consortium for Workforce and Economic Development is required to operate a New Jersey Pathways to Career Opportunities Initiative, the purpose of which is to provide students, workers, and job seekers with career pathways they need to pursue promising new careers and opportunities; to strengthen career pathways partnerships between county colleges and employers, primary and secondary schools, vocational technical high schools, four-year institutions of higher education, unions, and community based organizations; and to ensure that employers have access to a highly skilled workforce to meet critical labor market needs. The bill permits the New Jersey Community College Consortium for Workforce and Economic Development to establish Centers of Workforce Innovation that offer career pathways in various areas. The bill directs the Centers of Workforce Innovation to develop curriculum specific to each career pathway that is to be made publicly available, provide students with instruction and skills necessary to gain employment in a career pathway, promote the use of the Community College Opportunity Grants, promote the expansion of apprenticeship and other work-based learning opportunities for students, and to collaborate with business leaders and educational partners across the State.

AI Summary

This bill, known as the New Jersey Pathways to Career Opportunities Initiative Act, establishes a program to help New Jersey residents find and succeed in new careers. The New Jersey Community College Consortium for Workforce and Economic Development will manage this initiative, which aims to connect students, workers, and job seekers with clear career paths, strengthen partnerships between educational institutions and employers, and ensure businesses have a skilled workforce. The program will allow for the creation of Centers of Workforce Innovation that will develop and offer specific training for various career fields, such as healthcare, manufacturing, and technology, making the curriculum publicly available. These centers will provide students with the necessary skills for employment, encourage the use of financial aid like Community College Opportunity Grants, and promote apprenticeships and other on-the-job training opportunities, all while working with industry and education leaders to boost economic growth and opportunity across the state.

Committee Categories

Education

Sponsors (4)

Last Action

Withdrawn Because Approved P.L.2025, c.374. (on 01/13/2026)

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