Governor Signs Zwicker & Cryan’s Community College Bill Package
Read Article | New Jersey Senate Democrats
TRENTON – On his last day in office, Governor Phil Murphy signed a legislative package sponsored by Senators Andrew Zwicker, Joe Cryan, and Troy Singleton, which will increase access to social services and workforce development resources to improve student outcomes at the state’s community colleges.
“Our community colleges are essential hubs of economic opportunity for New Jersey residents, especially those from low-income households,” said Senator Zwicker (D-Middlesex/Mercer/Somerset/Hunterdon). “This transformative package, based upon NJCCC’s Opportunity Agenda, will make it easier for students to gain access to workforce development programs and social services. These programs will help them finish their education and find a high-quality job in their preferred field, particularly encouraging them to go into industries that power our state’s innovation economy, like clean energy, technology, and manufacturing.”
“For too many students, the biggest barriers to success exist outside the classroom,” said Senator Cryan (D-Union). “By providing access to social services on campus, clarifying which credentials will lead to the best career opportunities, and strengthening job training programs, these bills will ensure all community college students have the tools and guidance they need to achieve financial security for themselves and their families after they earn their degree.”
“Strengthening collaboration between local workforce development boards and community colleges will help ensure our students are more easily able to connect with potential employers, receive technical training, and ultimately secure the well-paying jobs they are being educated for,” said Senator Singleton (D-Burlington). “It will also ensure New Jersey’s workforce is prepared for the industries and jobs of the future, making our state more attractive for business investment.”
“The signing of these laws marks a monumental step forward and the start of a new era for community colleges in New Jersey,” said Aaron Fichtner, President of the New Jersey Council of County Colleges.
NJCCC’s Chief Innovation and Policy Officer Maria Heidkamp added: “We are incredibly grateful to our state legislators for their leadership and support of our more than 250,000 community college students and our business and community partners.”
Overview of the Five-Bill Package:
- S-4009 directs the Department of Labor and Workforce Development to develop and maintain a list of industry-valued credentials offered in New Jersey, based on analysis of state labor market data and feedback from employers in the State.
- S-4010 requires the New Jersey Council of County Colleges, in collaboration with each county college, to address gaps in meeting the basic needs of low-income students. The council, in cooperation with the Department of Human Services, would provide students with information on available social services and enrollment procedures.
- S-4012 establishes the “New Economy Opportunity Skills System Pilot Program” to strengthen the strategic alignment and collaboration between the operations of local workforce development boards and community colleges.
- S-4021 amends current statutes governing the New Jersey Council of County Colleges to allow the organization to serve as the primary policy advisor on matters related to the state’s county colleges, responsible for submitting annual budget requests and strategic planning.
- S-4023 establishes the “New Jersey Pathways to Career Opportunities Initiative Act,” codifying the New Jersey Community College Consortium for Workforce and Economic Development’s proven Pathways to Career Opportunities Initiative into statute.
