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Bill > A392


NJ A392

NJ A392
Establishes Skilled Trades Career Exploration Pilot Program; appropriates $5 million.


summary

Introduced
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026-2027 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill directs the Commissioner of Education to establish a three-year Skilled Trades Career Exploration Pilot Program to develop and expand career and technical education programs for high school students in the State. Under the bill, a grant awarded through the pilot program is to be used to support school districts in: (1) developing or expanding career and technical education programs for high school students; (2) acquiring or enhancing program equipment, technologies, or facilities for career and technical education programs; and (3) providing professional development for instructors of career and technical education programs. The bill directs the commissioner to establish selection criteria for the awarding of grants under the program and to select five districts in each of the southern, central, and northern regions of the State to participate in the program. Grants are to be awarded based upon review of the applications and subject to the availability of funds. Grantees are required to submit an annual report to the commissioner on the program's effect. The commissioner is required to annually report to the Governor and the Legislature on the program's effect. The bill appropriates $5,000,000 from the General Fund to the Department of Education for the bill's purposes.

AI Summary

This bill establishes a three-year Skilled Trades Career Exploration Pilot Program, allocating $5 million from the General Fund to the Department of Education to support high school students in exploring careers in skilled trades. The program will award grants to school districts to help them develop or expand career and technical education (CTE) programs, which are educational programs focused on preparing students for specific trades or occupations. These grants can be used for acquiring or improving equipment, technology, or facilities for CTE programs, as well as for professional development for instructors. The Commissioner of Education will set criteria for awarding these grants and will select five school districts from each of the southern, central, and northern regions of the state, aiming for a mix of urban, suburban, and rural districts. Participating districts must submit annual reports detailing the program's impact, and the Commissioner will then report annually to the Governor and the Legislature on the pilot program's overall effectiveness.

Committee Categories

Education

Sponsors (2)

Last Action

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Education Committee (on 01/13/2026)

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