NJ STARS Law Signed

Governor James E. McGreevey Tuesday opened doors of opportunity for thousands of students by signing NJ STARS, the New Jersey Tuition Assistance Reward Scholarship program, into law (Bill number S1192, A500).

The bill signing was held at the Learning Theater in Camden Community College’s Camden Technology Center. Camden Community College President Phyllis Della Vecchia joined Governor McGreevey, along with students who will benefit from the program, and State and local officials.

Under the program, the State will pay full tuition and fees at New Jersey community colleges for all Garden State seniors who graduate at the top 20 percent of their high school class. The program will start retroactively for 2004’s high school graduates. Governor McGreevey unveiled the NJ STARS plan on February 24, during his Fiscal Year 2005 Budget Address.

“Unfortunately, there are many bright, hardworking students who cannot afford to go to college. Today we’re righting that wrong. For the first time, New Jersey is guaranteeing that every student at the top of their class will have access to a college education,” Governor McGreevey said. “NJ STARS poses a challenge to our high school students: You work hard and make the grades, and we will cover the cost of your education.”

The Governor pointed out that community colleges play an invaluable role. Students with an associate degree earn up to $400,000 more over their lifetime. New Jersey’s annual workforce earnings are $6.3 million greater – the equivalent of 135,000 jobs – due to community colleges. For every tax dollar invested in New Jersey’s community colleges, over $18 returns to the State. Community colleges serve nearly 300,000 students, and 95 percent of community college students stay in New Jersey.

New Jersey’s high school students are outperforming most of their counterparts around the nation. The Garden State’s high schools have been recognized nationally as among the top five in preparing students for college, and the State’s 88 percent high school completion rate is among the best in the nation.

Despite these facts, many well-prepared students are unable to obtain a college education. Tuition has climbed at more than twice the rate of inflation for the last decade, pushing college out of reach for many of today’s top high school graduates.

By helping hardworking students earn a two-year degree, NJ STARS will give those students a leg up in entering the workforce or transferring to a four-year college. The program will be funded by $10 million in the State’s Fiscal 2005 budget, and will create opportunities for 9,000 students.

“We at the Department of Education are so very pleased that the Governor has officially launched the NJ STARS program,” said Commissioner of Education William L. Librera. “We understand, and the Governor understands, that a Community College’s role in educating our students is invaluable. This Administration also understands that preparing a workforce that can compete at the highest levels is invaluable. “We believe that NJ STARS is one more example that shows Governor James E. McGreevey has his fingers on the pulse of the education community, and that his leadership is essential in creating and maintaining the types of diverse programs that lead to sustained success for all of our students,” Commissioner Librera continued.

“This program offers an opportunity to New Jersey’s real stars in education to continue the route to academic and professional success, regardless of their parents’ economic situation,” said Senator Wayne R. Bryant, D-Camden and Gloucester. “It provides a chance to excel where before, there was none. Under this law, New Jersey’s stars will shine brighter than ever before.”

“There are thousands of kids in New Jersey who work hard in school and come from middle-income families so they don’t qualify for financial aid for college,” said Senate President Richard J. Codey. “I think any student who works hard enough to graduate in the top fifth of his or her class deserves the chance to go to college, regardless of family income. And that's exactly what NJ STARS is all about.”

“New Jersey has a national reputation for turning out some of the best students in the country,” Assemblyman Albio Sires (D-Hudson) said. “NJ STARS represents an extension of our commitment to all students. There is no reason for us not to help those who worked hard to finish in the top of their class but can't afford a four-year college.”

“Few sights are as disappointing as seeing good students who aspire to attend college but can't because their families cannot afford the cost,” Assemblywoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-Mercer) said. “In many communities, county colleges serve as the sole bridge of opportunity for low-income students who seek a continued education and better career prospects.”

NJ STARS is just one program by which Governor McGreevey has worked to hold the line on rising tuition.

The Governor also increased funding to State colleges and universities by $70 million; increased the Tuition Assistance Grant (TAG) program by $33.7 million to create 6,000 new awards; established the Part-Time TAG program which helps more than 8,000 students; increased funding for the Outstanding Scholars Recruitment Program by $1.8 million, creating an additional 685 awards; and increased funding for the NJCLASS student loans by $39 million.

Governor McGreevey is also expanding job-training opportunities at New Jersey’s community colleges, which are the backbone for the State’s workforce development efforts. Last year, the colleges provided New Jersey Department of Labor-funded training for more than 50,000 workers at more than 500 companies.

The Governor plans to give community colleges the resources to do even more, by increasing the amount the State and counties can borrow to launch capital construction projects at the colleges. The additional $200 million limit would let the colleges build enough classroom and lab space to train an additional 30,000 workers.

Under the New Jersey Community Colleges compact, the colleges are working with the Department of Labor, the Commerce and Economic Growth Commission and the Department of Education on programs that will make job training more accessible.

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Author: Press Release-Micah Rasmussen