This bill amends the existing Military Dependents Scholarship program to expand eligibility to students enrolled in approved career and technical education programs and to dependents of military members who served in Operation Freedoms Sentinel and Operation Inherent Resolve. The current law, established under P.L.2015, c.117, provides scholarships for undergraduate study to the spouses, children, or other eligible dependents of New Jersey residents who were killed, listed as "Missing in Action," or permanently disabled due to specific military operations. The bill updates the list of qualifying military engagements to include the two most recent operations and increases the eligibility period for scholarships from 15 years to 21 years for spouses and other eligible dependents.

Additionally, the bill specifies that a Military Dependents Scholarship will not be awarded unless the applicant is enrolled in a full-time undergraduate program or an approved career and technical education program. The changes aim to enhance support for military families and ensure that more dependents can access educational opportunities. The bill also highlights the lack of scholarships awarded under the current law since its enactment, emphasizing the need for these updates to facilitate the establishment of the Military Dependents Scholarship Fund.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 18A:71B-100, 18A:71B-101, 18A:71B-102