This bill establishes a five-year two-generational school readiness and workforce development pilot program within the New Jersey Department of Education, aimed at promoting economic self-sufficiency for low-income households by providing academic and job readiness support services to both parents and children. The program will be implemented in municipalities designated by the Commissioner of Education, specifically those with a poverty rate at least twice the statewide average. Services offered will include early learning programs, adult education, child care, housing assistance, job training, transportation, financial literacy, and health services, all ideally provided at a single location. The pilot program is designed to serve as a model for statewide implementation, with a focus on building partnerships with philanthropic organizations for technical assistance and program evaluation.

Oversight of the pilot program will be managed by an interagency working group comprising various state department commissioners, legislative members, and representatives from low-income households, nonprofit organizations, and academic experts. This group will be responsible for quarterly reporting on program progress and outcomes, as well as submitting a comprehensive report to the Governor and Legislature after four years, detailing successes, challenges, and recommendations for expanding the program to additional communities. The bill emphasizes a collaborative approach to service delivery and aims to create a sustainable model for supporting families in achieving educational and workforce success.