NJ S1777

Establishes a three-year pilot program for school-based mentoring in public schools located in "crisis zones," defined as areas within 1,000 feet of school property where gunfire occurred in the prior school year

Targets students in grades K-3 who are at risk for mental health disorders and substance abuse, focusing on those with problems in behavioral development, social-emotional development, or on-task learning abilities

Requires the Commissioner of Education to select Jersey City School District plus six additional public schools (two each from southern, central, and northern regions of New Jersey) to participate

Mandates participating schools designate 3-5 trained mentors, each working with no more than 20 students through weekly 25-minute one-on-one sessions covering emotional monitoring, coping skills, and self-control

Requires the Commissioner to report to the Governor and Legislature on the feasibility of implementing the program statewide upon conclusion of the pilot