New Jersey Awards $250K in Grants To Expand Dual Enrollment for Disadvantaged Students

The New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education and the New Jersey Department of Education distributed $250,000 in grants to four school districts. These grants will expand college-level coursework access for high school students from low-income families. The third round of Innovation Dual Enrollment Program grants from the Fiscal Year 2026 State Budget will support partnerships between accredited institutions and districts serving Camden, Keyport, Manville, and Paterson.

Districts receiving funding must have at least 40% of students in grades 9 through 12 eligible for free or reduced lunch. Paterson Arts & Science Charter School received $50,000. Keyport Public Schools got $50,000, Manville Public Schools was awarded $75,000, and Mastery Schools of Camden received $75,000.

“Dual enrollment is a powerful tool for closing equity gaps and preparing students for success beyond high school,” said Governor Phil Murphy, according to NJ.gov. “By expanding access to college courses while students are still in high school, we’re helping families save money and giving students exposure and a head start on their college journey.”

The grants build on two earlier cycles that awarded a total of $1 million to support partnerships in seven school districts. Students in the first year completed more than 1,136 dual enrollment courses and earned 3,554 college credits. Families saved over $290,000 in tuition and fees.

Grants from the second year are still being implemented to support over 980 dually enrolled students.

“These grants are helping more students gain access to college courses that reduce their time to degree but also build confidence and the academic skills critical to postsecondary and later career success,” said Secretary of Higher Education Brian Bridges.

More than 44,000 high school students earned college credit from institutions in the state during the 2023-24 academic year, according to the federal Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. That marked a nearly 11% increase over the previous year. Participation among economically disadvantaged 11th and 12th grade students rose by 3%, according to the School Performance Reports.

Institutional partners include Bergen Community College, Passaic County Community College, William Paterson University, Brookdale Community College, and Camden County College. The partnerships will give students early pathways to higher education while reducing costs for families.

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