NJ Career Accelerator Internship Grant Program

The NJ Career Accelerator Internship Grant Program (CAIGP) is a competitive funding initiative led by the New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE), in collaboration with the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development. This grant is embedded within the state's broader strategy to connect higher education with workforce development and economic goals, specifically focusing on experiential learning opportunities that prepare students for the modern labor market. It is aligned with the New Jersey State Plan for Higher Education’s vision to ensure that every student gains access to hands-on, career-relevant academic experiences prior to graduation. CAIGP seeks to address key workforce development challenges by enabling New Jersey-based employers to host college students and recent graduates for structured, paid internships during the summer of 2026. The program supports employers by subsidizing intern wages, while also emphasizing learning outcomes for students. It provides organizations with up to $4,000 per student intern, intended to help defray the cost of hiring and compensating interns at $20 per hour. Interns must work a minimum of 150–200 hours over at least 10 weeks between June and August 2026. Participating employers are required to treat interns as W-2 employees and are responsible for all associated employer-side costs such as payroll taxes, FICA, and insurance. Eligible applicants include New Jersey-based for-profit corporations, nonprofit organizations, not-for-profit entities, and small businesses in good standing with the state. Third-party staffing firms and organizations applying on behalf of client entities are not eligible. Employers must demonstrate the ability to provide a well-defined, educational internship experience, including learning goals, appropriate supervision, and resources. Each internship must be accompanied by a detailed description outlining the role, responsibilities, desired qualifications, and application instructions. Companies must also supply various documents including proof of business registration, formation certificates, and other applicable certifications. The grant application process opens on January 5, 2026, and closes promptly at 5:00 p.m. on January 30, 2026. Submissions must be completed through a designated online portal and must include all required attachments. Applications will not be accepted via email and cannot be modified after submission. Employers may only submit one application per cycle. The selection review begins February 2, 2026, with funding decisions issued by March 2, 2026. Successful applicants will then receive an award notice and must complete various verification steps including a student commitment letter, hiring verification form, and attendance at an orientation before disbursements are issued. The performance period for the internship program runs from June 1 through August 31, 2026. Final reports, including budget templates provided by OSHE, are due by September 18, 2026, with any unused funds to be returned by September 30, 2026. Disbursement of funds will occur on a rolling basis in May, contingent upon compliance with program requirements. Technical assistance webinars will be offered in early January to guide applicants through the eligibility and submission process.