The New Jersey School Counts County College Scholarship Program Act establishes a scholarship program aimed at supporting high school graduates who demonstrate strong attendance, punctuality, and academic performance. Under this program, students who graduate from participating public or nonpublic high schools and receive a School Counts certificate will be eligible for a two-year scholarship to a county college, covering up to $2,000 per year, with a maximum of $4,000 over the two years. To qualify, students must meet specific criteria, including maintaining a 95% attendance rate, achieving a C grade point average, completing additional credits beyond the minimum required for graduation, and starting their college studies within six months of high school graduation.

The program will be administered by the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority in collaboration with the Business Coalition for Educational Excellence and aims to encourage participation from both public and nonpublic high schools. The scholarship funding will come from a mix of state appropriations, county college funds, and private contributions, with provisions for matching state funds based on private donations raised by the colleges. Initially, four county colleges will be selected to participate, with additional colleges added in subsequent years until all are involved. The act also outlines conditions under which scholarship recipients may lose their eligibility or be required to repay funds, particularly in cases of academic dismissal or withdrawal due to illness.