By: Jabril Shakur, Follow South Jersey Intern
VINELAND, N.J. — The Vineland school district is one of four school districts across the state to receive funds as part of a grant to help create or increase enrollment in dual credit programs, allowing high school students to accumulate college credit from New Jersey colleges and universities, according to the NJ Department of Education (DOE).
The DOE along with the Office of Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE) have recently announced a distribution of $500,000 in grant funding for enrollment pilot programs for school districts across the state.
Vineland school district will be working in collaboration with Rowan University and Rowan College of South Jersey for students to take courses for both high school and college credit.
Governor Phil Murphy says that he wants to ensure that the students of New Jersey have a more considerable chance and are well prepared to achieve a higher education.
“Alongside expansions of financial aid and other critical efforts shaped by our State Plan for Higher Education, dual enrollment is developing early and cost-effective pathways to a degree for our high school students within their local community,” Governor Murphy said in a press release by the DOE. “By expanding these opportunities, we’re closing gaps to ensure every student has the ability to pursue higher education.”
Acting Commissioner of Education Dr. Angelica Allen-McMillan also provides a brief explanation of the benefits that come with this grant and how it’s elevating education opportunities for students.
“The Dual Enrollment Pilot Program provides more students with enhanced pathways to earn college credits, ensuring that access to higher education is expanded and diversified,” Allen-McMillan said in a press release from the DOE. “It is an investment to cultivate an equitable learning environment for all students.”
New Jersey Secretary of Higher Education, Dr. Brian K Bridges, expresses how for underserved communities, dual enrollment opportunities have not been accessible to them and how it creates a route for better opportunities for students.
“By expanding New Jersey’s dual enrollment partnerships through this funding, we continue to break down barriers to ensure greater numbers of high school students are given the opportunity to pursue postsecondary pathways and to succeed,” Bridges stated in the press release. “Equipping a diverse pool of learners in this way is critical in developing the workforce needed to fuel New Jersey’s future.”
The Dual enrollment Pilot Program was established by the DOE who is also partnered with OSHE, the New Jersey Dual Enrollment Study Commission directly recommended this grant opportunity for expansion of more dual credit programs to be developed.
Institutions of Higher Education and Local Education Agencies had to work together in order to take advantage of the funding opportunity in order to increase access to and participation in dual enrollment programs throughout the state with prioritizing student groups with traditionally lower dual enrollment involvement.
In order to be eligible for the grant, Local Educational Agencies were required to present both a minimum enrollment of 40% economically disadvantaged student population through grades 9 and 12.
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