The Youth Transitions to Work (YTTW) program is a competitive state-funded grant opportunity administered by the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL), through its Office of Apprenticeship and Work-Based Learning. The program’s mission is to support youth transitions into high-skill, high-wage employment pathways, especially in apprenticeable occupations with long-term career potential. This initiative is aligned with federal guidance from the U.S. Department of Labor on quality pre-apprenticeship programs and places strong emphasis on building partnerships with Registered Apprenticeship sponsors.
The primary objective of the YTTW program is to serve high school juniors, seniors, and out-of-school youth aged 16–24 by offering career exploration, workforce readiness, and occupation-specific training that leads to placement in union or non-union apprenticeship programs or trade-related employment with a minimum starting wage of $17 per hour. Funded projects must include partnerships with Registered Apprenticeship sponsors and support participants through documented career pathways. Programs are expected to remove economic barriers to participation through stipends, supportive services, and job-shadowing opportunities.
Funding for FY2026 is expected to total $2,000,000, with a contract performance period from December 1, 2025, through May 31, 2027. Each grantee may receive up to $12,000 per participant served, based on a reimbursement model. Funds may be used for program development, administration, training, stipends, and direct participant services. While no cost share is required, applicants are encouraged to leverage other funding sources such as WIOA and DVRS to enhance services.
Applications are limited to current FY2024 YTTW grant recipients, including public school districts, higher education institutions, nonprofits, labor organizations, trade associations, and other eligible New Jersey-based entities. A Letter of Intent (LOI) must be submitted by October 31, 2025, and full applications are due by November 7, 2025, through NJDOL’s IGX portal. Applicants must demonstrate alignment with occupational demand, documented partnerships, strong administrative capacity, and a sustainability plan beyond the grant period.
Programs will be evaluated based on several criteria, including curriculum alignment with apprenticeship programs, participant support strategies, partnership quality, and realistic outcome expectations. Greater scoring weight will be given to applications targeting underrepresented youth and industries with high labor demand. Award notifications will be issued approximately 45 days after the panel review, scheduled for the week of November 17, 2025.
The main point of contact for questions is Bill Sarboukh, Chief of the Office of Apprenticeship and Work-Based Learning, reachable at William.Sarboukh@dol.nj.gov. A virtual technical assistance workshop will be held on October 15, 2025, and applicants are strongly encouraged to attend. Awards may be eligible for an 18-month continuation depending on performance and funding availability.
