Brookdale Recognized as Higher Education Partner in State Dual Enrollment Expansion

The New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education and the New Jersey Department of Education announced the third round of Innovation Dual Enrollment Program grants, which will expand access to college level coursework for high school students across the state. As part of this statewide effort, Brookdale Community College was named the higher education partner for Keyport Public Schools, one of four districts awarded funding in this cycle.

The Innovation Dual Enrollment Program is designed to increase college access, affordability, and completion by supporting partnerships between New Jersey school districts and accredited colleges and universities. Districts awarded funding in this round serve communities where at least 40 percent of students in grades nine through twelve are eligible for free or reduced lunch. The program allows participating districts to use state funding to cover tuition and fees for high school students who enroll in college courses.

Through the partnership with Keyport, Brookdale will continue providing high school students with opportunities to earn college credit, strengthen academic readiness, and gain momentum toward postsecondary success. Brookdale is one of several institutions partnering with districts in Camden, Keyport, Manville, and Paterson as part of this latest announcement.

State leaders underscored the growing impact of dual enrollment throughout New Jersey. In the first year of the initiative, students completed more than one thousand one hundred dual enrollment courses and earned more than three thousand five hundred college credits, saving families over two hundred ninety thousand dollars in tuition and fees. Participation continues to rise, with more than forty four thousand high school students earning college credit from New Jersey institutions in the 2023 to 2024 academic year.

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

Brookdale remains committed to collaborating with school districts to expand high quality, affordable pathways into higher education. The college looks forward to supporting Keyport students as they participate in this statewide initiative.