This bill amends the New Jersey STARS Program to broaden eligibility by allowing students to enter the program later than currently permitted. 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 have a one-year period post-graduation 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, thereby 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 program for students who may need more time to prepare for college-level coursework, thereby enhancing educational opportunities for New Jersey high school graduates.

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