Education (Career & Technical Education)

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 3271: Requires school district to notify registered apprenticeship programs of upcoming college or career fair.

This bill requires New Jersey school districts hosting college or career fairs for high school students to notify all registered apprenticeship programs in their county about the event. The notification must include the fair's date, time, location, and instructions for apprenticeship programs to register for participation. It directly affects school districts and registered apprenticeship programs by creating a mandatory communication requirement. The bill takes immediate effect and does not establish new programs or funding, only ensuring existing apprenticeship programs receive timely information about school events.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationFacilitates student access to apprenticeship programs via career fairs, expanding educational pathway options beyond traditional college routes.65% confidence

Sub-Topics Career & Technical Education Higher Education K-12 Education

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 1297: Requires instruction on cybersecurity in grades nine through 12; requires Office of Secretary of Higher Education to develop cybersecurity model curricula; establishes loan redemption programs for individuals in certain cybersecurity occupations.

This bill requires New Jersey public school districts to incorporate cybersecurity education into grades 9-12 curricula, based on state-developed guidelines covering topics like internet safety, computer fundamentals, and career pathways. It also mandates the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education to create model cybersecurity curricula for four-year colleges and community colleges to support degree programs. Additionally, the bill establishes a loan redemption program to help repay student loans for individuals working in approved cybersecurity occupations after completing qualifying degrees. These provisions directly affect K-12 schools, higher education institutions, students, and cybersecurity professionals in New Jersey.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates cybersecurity curriculum in grades 9-12, develops higher ed model curricula, and offers loan redemption for cybersecurity careers, advancing educational programs and career pathways.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates cybersecurity education in grades 9-12, develops model curricula for higher education, and establishes loan redemption for cybersecurity careers - directly advancing cybersecurity workforce development.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Career & Technical Education Cybersecurity Online Safety

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 392: Establishes Skilled Trades Career Exploration Pilot Program; appropriates $5 million.

This bill establishes a three-year pilot program to expand career and technical education (CTE) programs for high school students in New Jersey, funded by a $5 million appropriation from the General Fund. It directs the Commissioner of Education to award grants to school districts for developing CTE programs, acquiring equipment/facilities, and providing instructor training. Five districts per region (south, central, north) will be selected to participate, with a requirement for geographic diversity (urban, suburban, rural). Participating districts must submit annual impact reports, and the Commissioner will report program results to the Governor and Legislature each year.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill appropriates $5M from General Fund to fund CTE pilot program, directly advancing state budget allocation for education programs.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationAllocates $5M to expand CTE programs via grants for school districts, equipment, and instructor training, directly advancing educational opportunities in career-focused K-12 education.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations State Budget Career & Technical Education K-12 Education

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 3651: Requires public school with any of grades 9 through 12 to discuss with students and parents employment opportunities as skilled laborer or through military enlistment or in agriculture.

This bill requires public high schools (grades 9-12) to have counselors or teachers discuss career paths in skilled labor, military service, or agriculture with students and their parents. It specifically mandates that military enlistment discussions include information about the military enlistment test. The state education commissioner must also provide schools with resources detailing these career opportunities, required education, certifications, or apprenticeships. The bill applies to all public schools with grades 9-12 and takes effect immediately after enactment.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates career counseling in skilled labor/military/agriculture, expanding student access to career pathways within educational programs.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Career & Technical Education

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 2095: Directs State Board of Education to authorize issuance of biotechnology endorsement to career and technical education teaching certificate.

New Jersey bill A 2095 directs the State Board of Education to create a biotechnology teaching endorsement for career and technical education (CTE) certificates. This special certification would allow teachers to instruct biotechnology courses in public high schools (grades 9-12). To qualify, teachers must hold a bachelor’s degree in biotechnology or related field, a master’s in biology/chemistry, an existing medical laboratory technician CTE certification, or verified industry work experience in biotechnology. The bill requires the State Board to establish implementing rules under existing administrative procedures.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationCreates biotech teaching endorsement to expand specialized curriculum and teacher qualifications in CTE programs, supporting educational program enhancement.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyCreates biotech teaching endorsement to advance tech education workforce development in biotechnology, a technology field.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Career & Technical Education

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 1316: Expands Tuition Aid Grant program to include workforce training programs.

This bill expands New Jersey's Tuition Aid Grant Program to cover eligible workforce training programs, directly affecting students seeking non-degree credentials in high-demand fields. To qualify, programs must require 150+ classroom hours, offer industry-valued credentials, and maintain 70%+ completion and job placement rates. The Higher Education Student Assistance Authority will designate eligible programs and set participation rules, while institutions must report program success metrics. This change allows workforce training participants to access state aid previously limited to degree-granting programs.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExpands state-funded tuition aid program requiring new budget allocation for workforce training, directly increasing public spending on education services.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationExpands tuition aid to workforce training, increasing access to educational programs and funding for non-degree credentials in high-demand fields.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentExpands access to workforce training for high-demand fields with job placement requirements, directly advancing employment outcomes and skill development for workers.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Career & Technical Education Higher Education Student Financial Aid Workforce Development

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

AR 111: Urges public high schools in New Jersey to create "Pathways to Purpose Week".

This resolution (AR 111) urges New Jersey public high schools to establish "Pathways to Purpose Week" during the week of May 1. It directly affects high school students and administrators by encouraging schools to recognize and celebrate multiple post-graduation options - including college enrollment, apprenticeships, and military service - alongside traditional "College Decision Day" celebrations. The key provision requires schools to honor all pathways equally, addressing that nearly 30% of seniors do not pursue immediate college enrollment and apprenticeship participation has declined since 2016. The resolution is non-binding, recommending schools adopt this observance to highlight diverse success routes after high school.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationUrges schools to recognize all post-graduation pathways equally (college, apprenticeships, military), expanding educational access beyond traditional college focus while celebrating diverse student options.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill explicitly includes military service as a recognized pathway during school celebrations, directly supporting veteran recognition through state-level educational policy.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Career & Technical Education Higher Education K-12 Education

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 3275: Requires certain school districts to enter into dual enrollment agreements with one or more institutions of higher education.

This bill requires all New Jersey public school districts with high schools to enter into mandatory dual enrollment agreements with public institutions of higher education. It directly affects school districts and public colleges/universities, mandating partnerships that allow high school students to earn college credit or career certificates through courses taught on campus. Key provisions include ensuring no student is excluded due to cost, requiring equivalent course rigor regardless of location, and detailing student eligibility and participation processes. The agreement must cover course offerings, student notification methods, and other specifics approved by education officials. The law takes effect immediately, applying to the first full school year after enactment.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates dual enrollment partnerships enabling K-12 students to earn college credits without cost barriers, expanding educational access and opportunities.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Career & Technical Education Higher Education K-12 Education

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 2773: Establishes four-year Performing Arts Education Improvement Grant Program.

This bill (A 2773) creates a four-year grant program to fund performing arts education in eligible New Jersey school districts. It requires districts to demonstrate that a majority of their schools serve high concentrations of multilingual learners, students in resource family care, rural students, or at-risk pupils to qualify for grants. Funds can be used for arts materials, teacher training, program development (including college/career pathways), and extracurricular activities. Participating districts must report annually on program participation and outcomes, and the Commissioner of Education must submit a final report to the Governor and Legislature recommending whether to continue the program.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates state funds for arts education grants, increasing public service funding under state budget appropriations.85% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationCreates grant program funding performing arts education in schools serving underserved students, expanding access and supporting arts programs through direct funding and teacher training.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Career & Technical Education Higher Education Teachers

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Feb 19, 2026

A 4352: Requires school districts to provide instruction on artificial intelligence; requires Secretary of Higher Education to develop artificial intelligence model curricula.

This New Jersey bill requires public school districts to teach artificial intelligence (AI) to students in grades K-12 as part of computer science and design thinking curricula. It mandates instruction on basic AI concepts, foundational user skills, and responsible ethical use, with the state providing age-appropriate teaching resources. Public colleges and universities must also offer AI certificate and degree programs, with the Secretary of Higher Education developing model curricula for these programs in consultation with education and workforce agencies. The model curricula must include course sequences, career pathways, and student outcome standards, taking effect in the first full school and academic year after enactment.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates AI curriculum in K-12 and requires AI programs at colleges, expanding educational content and access to emerging technology education.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates AI education in K-12 and higher ed curricula, advancing technology literacy and workforce readiness through required instruction and model programs.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Career & Technical Education K-12 Education Artificial Intelligence

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