Students at three New Jersey high schools can soon get a boost toward landing what Gov. Phil Murphy's administration describes as "21st century" jobs in science and technology thanks to an international program.

And that, Murphy said, will also help grow the Garden State's economy.

The Democratic governor announced Tuesday that New Jersey is the ninth state to link up with a public-private partnership called the Pathway in Technology Early College High School -- or P-TECH -- program.

Students who participate in the six-year program -- co-developed by IBM -- receive not only a high school diploma but also an associates degree at no cost in science and tech fields. They can also land internships and mentorships at businesses that partner with the program.

Panther Academy in Paterson, New Brunswick High School, and Burlington City High School have received state and federal funding to implement the program beginning in the 2019-20 school year.

And Murphy said it may expand to other schools in future years.

At a news conference announcing the program at Panther Academy, Murphy said these students will gain "practical workplace experience and walk out with the credentials for a good career and a foothold in the middle class."

Plus, Murphy said, it's way to further his goal of making New Jersey a global leader in innovation and technology.

"That workforce won't just pop up from nowhere," the governor said. "We need to build it. But we also need to build it right."

Lamont Repollet, commissioner of the state education department, also said the program will help students of color, who have been "historically underrepresented" in such careers.

New Jersey will join eight other states in the program, including neighboring Connecticut and New York.

Grace Suh, vice president of education at IBM, said the program is in 110 schools across the U.S., with 550 business partners. Schools in three other countries also take part.

Funding for the program was included in this year's state budget and is augmented by federal money.

Brent Johnson may be reached at bjohnson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @johnsb01. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook.