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Bayonne board hears Kean University pitch for no-cost partnership to expand college access
Summary
Kean University representatives told the Bayonne Board of Education they will sign a memorandum of understanding to offer middle‑school summer programs, opportunities for high‑school students to earn college credits and a parent 'generation to generation' credential program at no cost to the district.
Kean University representatives presented a proposed memorandum of understanding to the Bayonne Board of Education on Nov. 19, describing a partnership they said would cost the district nothing while expanding college‑access opportunities for students and families.
Jason Lester, identified as Special Assistant to the Kean University president and executive director of the Kean Scholar Academy, told the board the initiative would begin with seventh‑ and eighth‑grade programming and provide pathways for high‑school students to earn college credits. "We're looking at developing summer programs ... for our high school students we want to make sure that they have every opportunity to earn college credits at an institution that is not only world class," Lester said.
A second Kean representative, introduced as the university president, said Kean will work with the district to customize offerings "to help the families, the students, the administration, teachers and staff of that particular district." The representative noted Kean's work with more than 600 New Jersey districts and described plans for parent-focused programming called "generation to generation," which the speaker said would allow parents to return to school for credentials and certificates.
Board materials and speakers said a memorandum of understanding would be signed by the superintendent and a Kean official during the meeting. Kean presenters emphasized that the agreement is intended to be tailored to Bayonne's needs and noted outreach plans that include summer programming, year‑round supports and college credit opportunities for high‑school students.
There was applause from the audience when Kean presenters described local ties and a ceremonial gift of a football helmet. The board did not take a formal vote on the partnership during the meeting; presenters said the memorandum would be signed by district and university representatives.
The board did not engage in extended public questioning of the Kean representatives during the meeting. Next procedural steps were described by presenters as administrative: signing the MOU and following district processes to implement agreed programs.
