The bill establishes the New Jersey Workforce Industry Needs Scholarship, aimed at providing financial support to students pursuing professional certificates, industry-recognized credentials, diplomas, or degrees from eligible programs at county colleges or vocational schools in New Jersey. The Secretary of Higher Education, in collaboration with various state departments and organizations, will create a list of eligible programs that align with the labor needs identified in the Labor Demand Occupation List. These programs will cover high-demand fields such as advanced manufacturing, health care, education, and more.

The scholarship will cover tuition, fees, and related expenses, capped at $5,000 per year, and students can receive it for up to three years for associate degree programs or two years for other eligible programs, provided they maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0. Scholarships will be awarded annually based on available funds, with priority given to students in high-need areas and a minimum of five percent reserved for dual-enrollment students. The Secretary will also be required to submit an annual report detailing scholarship distribution, average amounts, and job placement rates for recipients.