County colleges would receive two-year aid for noncredit job training

New Jersey’s higher education secretary would run a two-year pilot providing extra operating aid to county colleges. Aid would cover short-term training that earns no college credit, meets county college council quality standards, and prepares students for high-demand jobs or jobs with documented regional demand. Programs may lead to industry-recognized credentials or licenses. The funding formula would give extra weight to students finishing programs and to programs leading to industry-recognized credentials or licenses. The council would finish its review within six months of enactment. Aid would begin in the first full academic year after the review and continue the next academic year.

The state would draw the money from the Workforce Development Partnership Fund. Yearly aid would pay county colleges’ operating costs for the short-term, noncredit job training covered by the pilot. The proposal also sets aside $5 million to carry out the program, without explaining whether it counts toward the yearly amounts. The act would take effect immediately upon enactment.