Establishes "Minority-Serving County College Stabilization Act" in Office of Secretary of Higher Education; appropriates $15 million.

This bill (A896) creates the "Minority-Serving County College Stabilization Program" within New Jersey's Office of the Secretary of Higher Education, appropriating $15 million to support eligible community colleges. It directly affects county colleges where at least 50% of undergraduate students are racial/ethnic minorities and that have experienced at least a 10% decline in full-time enrollment plus faculty/staff reductions over two years. To qualify, colleges must submit detailed stabilization plans addressing enrollment recovery, staff restoration, and instructional improvements, including input from faculty/staff and community stakeholders. Funds must be spent per approved plans, with colleges reporting expenditures within 180 days and unspent funds redistributed per student at year-end. The $15 million includes $7.5 million from the state general fund and $7.5 million from federal pandemic recovery funds.