Education

This bill creates the Jersey Strong Public Service Scholarship Program to help students working in critical public service roles. It provides scholarships covering up to $25,000 for two years (after one year of employment) or $50,000 for four years (after two years of employment) at New Jersey public colleges or universities. Eligible students must be NJ residents, U.S. citizens, employed full-time in designated sectors like hospitals, schools, or first responder roles, and meet income and academic requirements. The program requires repayment of funds if a student withdraws without approved reasons or is dismissed from school.

New Jersey bill A1319 requires public colleges and universities to create a student withdrawal policy allowing refunds for specific serious personal situations. It mandates that institutions define "extenuating circumstances" (including illness, injury, hospitalization, and mental health issues) and refund tuition/fees if these circumstances prevent a student from receiving education during a semester. The policy must also provide proportional refunds for unused room and board charges and clarify that financial aid refunds follow existing state and federal rules. This policy applies to all public higher education institutions in New Jersey starting with the first full academic year after the bill's enactment.