This bill amends the NJ STARS Program to broaden eligibility by allowing students to enter the program later than current regulations permit. Under existing law, students who meet the eligibility criteria for the NJ STARS scholarship but do not demonstrate the necessary skill levels for college coursework are given one year to prove their readiness. If they fail to do so within that timeframe, they lose their eligibility for the scholarship. The bill removes this one-year limit, allowing students more flexibility in demonstrating their college readiness.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that once a student's eligibility for the NJ STARS Program is established, it will not expire as long as they meet the program's eligibility criteria at the time of participation. This change aims to provide greater access to the NJ STARS Program for students who may need more time to prepare for college-level coursework, thereby enhancing opportunities for higher education in New Jersey.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 18A:71B-85.1