The State of New Jersey has announced the third round of Innovation Dual Enrollment Program grants, allocating $250,000 from the Fiscal Year 2026 budget to four school districts. The funding is specifically aimed at expanding access to college-level coursework for high school students, particularly those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
The grants, administered jointly by the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE) and the Department of Education (NJDOE), will support new and existing partnerships between New Jersey colleges and school districts where at least 40% of students are eligible for free or reduced lunch.
Gov. Phil Murphy praised dual enrollment as a “powerful tool for closing equity gaps” and giving students a head start on their college journey. Dual enrollment allows high school students to earn college credits, which significantly reduces the cost and time required to complete a degree.
The measurable impact of the program is already apparent from the first two cycles of grants, which totaled $1 million across seven districts. In the first year alone, participating students completed over 1,136 dual enrollment courses, earning a collective 3,554 college credits and saving their families more than $290,000 in tuition and fees.
“We’re proud to see the measurable impact of New Jersey’s growing focus on higher education on-ramps through dual enrollment,” secretary of higher education Brian Bridges said.
Education Commissioner Kevin Dehmer added that the State’s investment is “better positio[ning] New Jersey students to thrive from high school into college and to succeed in the workforce.”
The new round of grants targets partnerships in North, Central, and South Jersey, focusing on the communities of Camden, Keyport, Manville and Paterson.
| School District | Award | Region | Institutional Partner(s) |
| Paterson Arts & Science Charter School | $50,000 | North Jersey | Bergen Community College, Passaic County Community College, William Paterson University |
| Keyport Public Schools | $50,000 | Central Jersey | Brookdale Community College |
| Manville Public Schools | $75,000 | Central Jersey | William Paterson University |
| Mastery Schools of Camden | $75,000 | South Jersey | Camden County College |
Leaders from the state’s higher education system lauded the new funding for strengthening collaboration between high schools and colleges.
Dr. Aaron Fichtner, president of the New Jersey Council of County Colleges, highlighted the vital role community colleges play in the initiative, noting that four of the county colleges are involved in this cycle.
Jennifer Keyes-Maloney, executive director of the New Jersey Association of State Colleges and Universities, pointed to the ongoing success of institutions like William Paterson University, whose partnerships with Paterson and Manville will provide students with an “early, impactful step toward their college and career aspirations.”
