The U.S. Department of Education today announced that more than $21.5 million in grants will go to 43 states – including New Jersey – to cover all or part of the fees charged to low-income students for taking Advanced Placement tests.
New Jersey will receive $349,294 as part of the program, DOE reported.
The grants are expected to pay up to $38 per Advanced Placement exam for as many as three exams per student, the federal government reported.
The program is intended to encourage the students to take AP tests and obtain college credit for high school courses, reducing the time and cost required to complete a postsecondary degree.
“AP courses help students develop the study skills, critical reasoning and habits of mind that prepare them for the transition to college,” said Secretary of Education Arne Duncan in a release.
“These funds will help eliminate financial roadblocks for more low-income students and allow them to fully benefit from the AP program,” Duncan said.
