NJ S3349

Creates the New Jersey Workforce Industry Needs Scholarship to fund students pursuing certificates, credentials, diplomas, or degrees at county colleges and county vocational schools in programs aligned with state labor market needs

Covers tuition, fees, required course materials, and professional license fees up to $5,000 per year, after applying other federal or state aid, for up to 3 years for associate degree students or 2 years for other programs

Requires students to be New Jersey residents, enrolled in eligible workforce programs, and either employed or taking a financial literacy course offered by their institution

Eligible programs must address high-demand occupations identified in the Labor Demand Occupation List, including advanced manufacturing, construction, education, healthcare, law and public safety, life sciences, and transportation/logistics

Mandates that at least 5% of scholarship awards go to dual-enrollment students, with priority given to students in high-need industry areas, and requires annual reporting on participation, award amounts, credentials earned, and job placement rates