New Jersey labor department offers $6M in grants to support employment for justice-impacted residents
TRENTON, N.J. — The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development announced it is making $6 million in grant funding available to support employment opportunities for justice-impacted residents through the Job Opportunities for Building Success initiative.
The funding marks the first round of JOBS grants available in 2026 and is intended to provide training, employment and retention services to New Jersey residents who have been involved with the justice system.
“The JOBS initiative provides individuals with essential training and employment services along with the opportunity to successfully reintegrate into society,” Gov. Mikie Sherrill said. “Through personalized support, mentorship, and career services, this program creates a vital pathway towards long-term stability and success, while also reducing recidivism and improving public safety in our communities. As the former Reentry Coordinator at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, I’ve seen firsthand the profound impact of employment opportunities on residents’ successful reintegration. I look forward to seeing the transformational impact of these grants.”
The JOBS initiative is designed to help justice-impacted New Jerseyans reenter the workforce by offering career services, training, paid internships, apprenticeships and support services, including transportation assistance and help obtaining identification.
“The JOBS program is about creating real opportunities for New Jersey residents working to overcome the challenges of involvement with the justice system by making critical support available to help them find careers and thrive,” said Acting Labor Commissioner Michael B. Marich. “By fostering partnerships that offer personalized support, we are helping justice-impacted New Jerseyans join our workforce and contribute positively to our communities and State.”
Program components include ongoing career coaching and mentoring, virtual services to increase access to training, internship placements for work experience and partnerships with employers to expand unsubsidized employment and improve job retention. The initiative also uses data and evidence to track outcomes and guide the use of grant funds.
Alfonso Ruiz, a participant in the JOBS program through Transition Professionals, said the initiative played a critical role in helping him move forward.
“I am truly grateful for all the help and support I have received through the JOBS program. From the very beginning, the team has been kind, patient, and encouraging, and they have gone above and beyond to guide me every step of the way,” Ruiz said. “During a time when I felt uncertain and overwhelmed, their support gave me hope and reassurance that I could move forward and work toward my goals. The resources, guidance, and genuine care they provide made a meaningful difference in my life, and I cannot thank them enough for that. I am very appreciative of everything the program has done for me and for believing in my potential.”
The department plans to award grants to six organizations statewide to support partnerships with justice-related entities and provide services that help individuals secure and retain employment. Each selected organization is expected to receive up to $1 million over a 24-month grant period beginning June 1, 2026.
Organizations interested in applying must submit a letter of intent by 4 p.m. March 4, followed by participation in a mandatory technical assistance session at 10 a.m. March 5. Grant applications are due by 4 p.m. April 2.
More information, including application instructions and the full Notice of Grant Opportunity, is available through the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development’s grant opportunities website.
