NJ A4319

Establishes a three-year pilot program through the Department of Education, in coordination with the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority, to help public school students complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Requires the Commissioner of Education to select 12 school districts total—four each from the southern, central, and northern regions of New Jersey—representing a cross-section of urban, suburban, and rural areas

Participating districts must provide FAFSA information to students at least once before grade 12, including documentation requirements, eligibility criteria, key terms, and submission deadlines through classroom instruction, counseling sessions, or family workshops

Parents or guardians of 12th grade students must receive written or electronic information on FAFSA completion, and paper copies of the application must be provided upon request

Commissioner must submit a report to the Governor and Legislature at the program's conclusion with implementation findings and recommendations on statewide expansion feasibility