NJ S1590

Establishes a three-year pilot program allowing 12th grade students to take college courses at no cost, targeting districts heavily impacted by COVID-19 learning loss with high proportions of economically disadvantaged students and low college enrollment rates

Requires the Commissioner of Education to select six districts total—two each from southern, central, and northern New Jersey—representing urban, suburban, and rural areas, with grants provided to cover program costs

Participating students must enroll in 6-15 college credits per semester and maintain a 2.0 GPA to continue in the program

Partner colleges must charge districts no more than $100 per credit and waive student fees, while providing quarterly academic progress reports

Public institutions of higher education must accept credits earned through the program toward degree requirements; the Commissioner must submit a final report with recommendations on statewide implementation