Bill > A1984

This bill establishes the "New Jersey Works Dual Enrollment Option Program," which will allow "at-risk students" – defined as high school students identified by their school district as likely to drop out, or those who have dropped out in the past year – to earn high school credits and potentially a diploma by taking courses at a county college. The program aims to provide an alternative educational path for these students and will also offer job placement assistance upon successful completion, meaning they've earned enough credits for their high school diploma. The Commissioner of Education will create a list of risk factors for identifying at-risk students and provide guidance to school districts on which county college courses can count towards both high school graduation and a college credential. School districts and county colleges can enter into agreements outlining which courses qualify for dual credit, how they meet graduation requirements, and the tuition costs, which will be covered by the school district, not the student or their family. Students in this program will not be eligible for high school athletics or extracurricular activities, but they will still be counted for state aid purposes.