Project Self-Sufficiency opens enrollment for Youth Corps high school equivalency program
NEWTON, N.J. (Sussex County) — Enrollment is underway for the next session of the New Jersey Youth Corps program at Project Self-Sufficiency, offering teens and young adults who have not completed high school an opportunity to earn a high school equivalency credential and prepare for future careers.
The 16-week program is scheduled to begin in March and is designed to help participants improve literacy skills, prepare for the high school equivalency exam, gain on-the-job work experience and transition into employment, college or the military.
As part of the program, participants can earn up to three college credits through Sussex County Community College in optics technology and/or automotive technology. Graduates may also be eligible to receive up to $5,000 to help cover tuition or equipment costs for future education and training.
Project Self-Sufficiency will host a series of open houses for interested participants to learn more about the program and complete applications. Open houses will be held Thursdays at 4:30 p.m. on Jan. 15, 22 and 29 and Feb. 5 and 12, as well as Fridays at noon on Jan. 16, 23 and 30 and Feb. 6 and 13.
The organization is also offering a $100 gift card to individuals who refer a young adult, ages 16 to 25, to the program. To qualify, referred participants must enroll, complete a two-week orientation and be inducted into the program.
To be eligible, participants must be Sussex or Warren County residents between the ages of 16 and 25 who have not completed high school. The program includes academic instruction, assessments and testing, employability skills training, life skills workshops, community service projects, field trips and counseling services.
Participants will prepare for the high school equivalency examination and may receive a weekly stipend based on full-week attendance. Free transportation is provided.
The New Jersey Youth Corps is funded by the New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development and operates at multiple locations statewide, including Camden, Elizabeth, Jersey City, New Brunswick, Newark, Paterson, Phillipsburg, Pleasantville, Trenton and Vineland.
More information about the New Jersey Youth Corps at Project Self-Sufficiency is available online or by calling 973-940-3500.
