Senate Passes Zwicker, Cryan Bill to Expand Social Services at County Colleges

TRENTON – The Senate passed legislation sponsored by Senators Andrew Zwicker and Joe Cryan, which would expand social service supports at county colleges across New Jersey. 

The bill, S-4010, would require the New Jersey Council of County Colleges, in collaboration with each county college, to address gaps in meeting the basic needs of low-income students. The council, in cooperation with the Department of Human Services, would provide students with information on available social services and enrollment procedures. 

“This legislation aims to ensure that every student has a chance at success no matter their socioeconomic status,” said Senator Zwicker (D-Middlesex/ Mercer/Somerset/Hunterdon). “New Jersey’s county colleges are hubs of opportunity that help low-income individuals create better lives for themselves. By expanding access to social services on campus, we are working to remove some of the common obstacles that students face and make it easier for them to focus on completing their education.” 

Additionally, the council could foster partnerships between county colleges, state agencies, county boards of social services, and nonprofit organizations to boost student enrollment in social services and, where feasible, establish direct services on campuses.

“Community colleges serve some of the hardest-working students in our state, many of whom are balancing full-time jobs and family responsibilities on top of their studies,” said Senator Cryan (D-Union). “By connecting these students with the social services they need on campus, we are improving their well-being and helping them to graduate so they can build a better future for themselves and their families.”

The bill would also require the Division of Family Development in the Department of Human Services to collaborate with the council to better equip community college staff to assist students with applications for SNAP, TANF, childcare subsidies, and other benefits.

County colleges and local workforce development boards would also be required to partner with workforce training providers, economic development organizations, and nonprofits to identify unemployed and underemployed residents who could benefit from enrollment. These partnerships would aim to facilitate college enrollment and create career pathways. 

The bill was passed in a 37-0 vote.