The New Jersey School Counts County College Scholarship Program Act establishes a scholarship program aimed at rewarding high school students who demonstrate strong attendance, punctuality, and academic performance. Under this program, students graduating from participating public or nonpublic high schools who meet specific criteria will be eligible for a two-year scholarship to a county college, with a maximum award of $2,000 per year, totaling up to $4,000. To qualify, students must apply for the scholarship at the beginning of their freshman year, obtain a School Counts certificate, and enroll full-time in a degree program at a county college within six months of high school graduation. The program is designed to encourage students to recognize the importance of education and to support their transition to higher education.

The scholarship program will be funded through a combination of state appropriations, county college funds, and private contributions, with provisions for county colleges to receive matching state funds based on private fundraising efforts. Initially, four county colleges will be selected to participate, with additional colleges added in subsequent years until all are included. The program also includes stipulations regarding academic progress and repayment of scholarships in cases of dismissal or withdrawal for non-medical reasons. The act is set to take effect for the 2024-2025 academic year, allowing the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority to begin necessary administrative actions immediately.