New grants totaling $250,000 have been announced by New Jersey officials to expand dual-enrollment programs, including $50,000 for Paterson Arts & Science Charter School.

The grants will be used to help more students, especially from low-income families, earn college credits while in high school, and reduce costs through partnerships with local colleges.

The latest round of Innovation Dual Enrollment Program funding, included in the state’s fiscal 2026 budget, is designed to boost access to college-level coursework for high school students.

Paterson Arts & Science Charter School will partner with Bergen Community College, Passaic County Community College and William Paterson University to offer students the chance to earn college credits while completing high school requirements.

Some students will finish high school with up to 30 college credits, giving them a head start and saving thousands in tuition, according to iLearn Schools, which manages the charter network. The grant will help iLearn expand participation and increase credits earned. Its goal is to strengthen equity, affordability, and college readiness for Paterson students.

State officials said dual-enrollment programs have become a key strategy for improving college affordability and helping students stay on track for degree completion.

“Dual enrollment is a powerful tool for closing equity gaps and preparing students for success beyond high school,” Gov. Phil Murphy said in a statement. “By expanding access to college courses while students are still in high school, we’re helping families save money and giving students a head start on their college journey.”

The state has awarded $1 million across two previous cycles of the program, supporting partnerships in seven districts, including Passaic City. In the first year, students completed more than 1,100 college courses and earned 3,554 credits — saving families more than $290,000 in tuition and fees, officials said. A second year of grants is still underway and is projected to support more than 980 students.

Secretary of Higher Education Brian Bridges said the results show the state’s investment is paying off.

“These grants are helping more students gain access to college courses that reduce their time to degree but also build confidence and the academic skills critical to postsecondary and later career success,” Bridges said.

Dual-enrollment participation has continued to climb statewide. More than 44,000 New Jersey high school students earned college credits in the 2023-24 school year, an increase of nearly 11% from the year before, according to federal data. Participation among economically disadvantaged juniors and seniors also rose 3%, state reports show.

Education Commissioner Kevin Dehmer said the state is working closely with districts to expand the programs. “Altogether, this better positions New Jersey students to thrive from high school into college and to succeed in the workforce,” he said.

Paterson’s award is one of four recently announced. Other grants include $50,000 for Keyport Public Schools, $75,000 for Manville Public Schools and $75,000 for Mastery Schools of Camden.

Jennifer Keyes-Maloney, executive director of the New Jersey Association of State Colleges and Universities, noted the role William Paterson University will play in Paterson’s expansion.

“Dual enrollment is a proven strategy,” she said. “William Paterson University’s partnerships with the Paterson and Manville school districts provide students an early, impactful step toward their college and career aspirations.”

Source: https://www.nj.com/news/2025/11/how-nj-is-helping-high-school-students-save-thousands-on-college-tuition.html