New Jersey Youth Corps (NJYC)

The New Jersey Youth Corps (NJYC) is a statewide program administered by the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) designed to support out-of-school youth aged 16 to 25 who do not possess a high school diploma. The program facilitates reengagement in education and career preparation through a structured, cohort-based model that integrates academic instruction, community service learning, and transitional support services. By combining these components, NJYC aims to address barriers to employment and educational advancement while positioning Corpsmembers for long-term career development and economic independence. The grant spans four phases, with Phase 1 running from July 1, 2025, through December 31, 2026, followed by three annual phases concluding in 2029. Funding for the program originates from the State's annual appropriations, the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) State set-aside, and supplemental contributions from the Department of Human Services under 45 CFR 260. The first phase has an expected allocation of $8.3 million, with a maximum of $14,000 in funding available per Corpsmember. Applicants may also propose Career Advancement Program (CAP) services at a fixed cost of $5,000 per CAP slot, which supports work-based learning and training that leads to industry-recognized credentials and employment outcomes. Eligible applicants include local education agencies, higher education institutions, nonprofit organizations, and county or municipal governments with the demonstrated capacity to implement the NJYC model across the four-phase cycle. Applicants must also be in compliance with NJDOL regulations and free of outstanding liabilities. NJDOL will prioritize applicants with prior success operating an NJYC program. All grantees must meet specific performance benchmarks, including minimum Corpsmember enrollment numbers, completion and skill gain rates, and successful transitions to employment or continued education. The application process is administered through NJDOL’s System for Administering Grants Electronically (SAGE). A letter of intent to apply must be submitted by March 25, 2025, which also serves as the registration trigger for SAGE access. Attendance at the virtual technical assistance workshop on March 26, 2025, is mandatory for eligibility. The complete application, due by 12:00 p.m. on April 16, 2025, must include extensive documentation such as a statement of need, organizational capacity narrative, program design, budget justifications, staffing chart, and policies on stipends and attendance. Optional CAP and After-Hours Program components must be documented in their own narrative submissions. Applications will be evaluated based on completeness, programmatic design, budget accuracy, and adherence to NJYC requirements. A maximum of one grant per county is anticipated, subject to demonstrated need and funding availability. Successful applicants may receive annual continuation funding upon approval of performance and compliance with program requirements. NJDOL reserves the right to make final funding decisions and to reject applications that fail to meet eligibility or performance standards. All inquiries and technical questions should be directed to YouthPrograms@dol.nj.gov.

Attendance at March 26 workshop is mandatory for eligibility; follow all required uploads and formats exactly.