NJ A2459

Creates a two-year, $10,000 scholarship for full-time undergraduate students at New Jersey public institutions who commit to 15 hours per week of community service in climate action, K-12 education, or food insecurity for one academic year.

Scholarship recipients must be New Jersey residents, remain in good academic standing, and submit a written commitment to pursue full-time employment in a community service-oriented profession in the state after graduation.

Establishes a Community Service Grant Program awarding $100,000 grants to 10 public higher education institutions to partner with community-based service organizations and provide students with service opportunities, academic credit, and professional development.

Appropriates $10 million total: $9 million to the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority for scholarships and $1 million to the Secretary of Higher Education for institutional grants.

Program administration involves the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority, Secretary of Higher Education, and Office of Volunteerism, with priority given to applicants demonstrating the greatest financial need.