New Jersey announces $9 million for summer youth jobs program, expands eligibility to ages 14-24

TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey is investing $9 million in a summer youth employment program that will expand paid work opportunities to teenagers as young as 14 while increasing support for communities affected by violence, state officials announced Thursday.

The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development said the funding for the Summer Youth Work Experience Program (SYWEP) includes a $1 million increase over last year as part of Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s first state budget.

The program, which previously served participants beginning at age 16, will now be open to New Jersey residents ages 14 to 24, including students and young adults who are not enrolled in school.

“Paid summer work can open doors for young people and strengthen communities impacted by violence,” said Governor Sherrill. “We are adding $1 million to sustain the Summer Youth Work Experience Program and providing grantees with training and technical assistance to help participants build career skills. Community-based organizations are essential to this effort, and I’m grateful for their partnership in expanding the program’s reach across New Jersey.”

Launched as a pilot program in 2019, SYWEP was designed to combat poverty, create employment pathways for young people and address challenges faced by teenagers and young adults.

Since its inception, the program has served 11,779 young people, partnered with more than 500 worksites and invested more than $39 million in New Jersey youth, according to NJDOL.

Participants receive paid summer work experience, career readiness training and supportive services intended to help them enter the workforce and develop long-term employment skills.

“For a young person, a summer job can change what feels possible,” said Acting Labor Commissioner Kevin D. Jarvis. “By connecting SYWEP to community-based violence intervention, we’re making sure young people in impacted communities have real opportunities, real income, and real support that will make a positive impact in their lives and futures. We’re grateful to our local workforce development boards and partners for making it happen.”

Expanded focus on violence prevention

This year’s funding places additional emphasis on reaching young people in communities affected by violence through partnerships with local workforce development boards and community-based organizations.

Under the latest grant opportunity, applicants are encouraged to collaborate with organizations focused on preventing youth violence and providing services to young people involved in the justice system.

Recruitment efforts are expected to include outreach to justice-involved youth and violence prevention programs, strengthening connections between community organizations and employment opportunities.

Priority enrollment will be given to young people receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits.

NJDOL also plans to host a statewide information session to encourage more community-based organizations to participate as worksite sponsors or referral agencies.

Interested organizations are encouraged to complete the program’s partner interest form.

Paid work experience and support services

The Summer Youth Work Experience Program provides participants with 160 to 200 hours of paid work experience with local employers and a stipend of up to $3,400, paid directly to the participant.

In addition to on-the-job experience, participants receive orientation and workforce readiness training covering financial literacy, resume writing, entrepreneurship, workplace communication, diversity and harassment prevention.

Supportive services, including transportation assistance, childcare and disability accommodations, may also be available based on individual needs.

The competitive grant program is administered by NJDOL’s Office of Youth Programs and supported through state and federal workforce funding.

Eligible grant applicants include local workforce development boards, New Jersey municipalities and agencies that previously received SYWEP awards.

Program participants share experiences

State officials highlighted several examples of how the program has helped young people gain professional experience.

In South Jersey, a participant identified as Jessica G., a graphic arts major at Rowan College of South Jersey, worked as a technology intern through a placement arranged by the Cumberland-Salem-Cape May Workforce Development Board.

During her internship, she designed marketing materials and assisted with projects for her host agency’s youth department.

In Branchburg, a participant placed at Visions Development through the Greater Raritan Workforce Development Board described the experience positively.

“It was a great learning experience, and I especially appreciated the opportunity to build meaningful professional connections along the way.”

In Hudson County, participants placed through Hudson County Schools of Technology assisted the Youth Foundation of Jersey City with community events, outreach and social media.

“Programs like SYWEP not only provide valuable job experience but also help young people see their potential and develop skills that will benefit them long after the summer ends,” said a Youth Foundation representative.

Local workforce development boards also reported positive employment outcomes.

“Several youths have found year-round employment based on this summer opportunity,” the Essex County Workforce Development Board reported.

The Atlantic County Workforce Development Board also emphasized the benefits of paid employment for young people.

“When students step into these paid work experiences, they’re doing much more than adding a line to their resume. They’re gaining confidence, building networks, and seeing how their education translates into meaningful work.”

Application deadlines and information sessions

NJDOL announced several upcoming deadlines for organizations interested in applying for grant funding.

• Nov. 23: NJDOL will host an information session to encourage participation by community-based organizations across the state.
• Dec. 7: Letters of intent are due by noon.
• Dec. 8: A mandatory virtual technical assistance workshop for all applicants will be held at 10 a.m.
• Dec. 21: Completed grant applications are due by noon.

The department said it will continue providing training and technical assistance to grant recipients to help them develop and administer programs tailored to participants’ individual circumstances and career goals.

Organizations interested in applying can review the complete application instructions and Notice of Grant Opportunity on the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development website.