NJ Labor Department announces $5.5M in new grants to expand worker rights outreach, boost training for women and minorities in construction

TRENTON, N.J. — The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development on Wednesday announced more than $5.5 million in new funding across two statewide initiatives aimed at expanding worker rights education and increasing training opportunities for women and minorities in the construction trades.

The department said $3 million has been allocated for a fifth round of its Cultivating Access, Rights, and Equity (CARE) program, launched in 2022 to improve equitable access to labor rights, paid leave benefits, unemployment insurance and protections for domestic and temporary workers. A separate $2.5 million will be distributed through the NJBUILD Women and Minorities in Construction Trades grant program to support training and workforce readiness in the building trades.

“With this additional round of funding, we are empowering organizations that serve as lifelines to our communities, especially to those who have been historically underserved,” Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo said. “By supporting the vital outreach and education efforts these organizations provide, we strive to create a more just and inclusive environment where every worker in New Jersey can thrive.”

The CARE grant program is open to public and private nonprofit organizations, faith-based groups, and state-recognized tribal partners that deliver community-centered, in-language support to workers. The program focuses on populations including low-wage workers, immigrants, workers of color, refugees, survivors of domestic or sexual violence, young and temporary workers, domestic workers, and small or immigrant-owned businesses.

“The CARE Grant has strengthened EANJ’s ability to deliver on our mission of supporting employers through education and outreach,” said Amy Vazquez, vice president of the Employers Association of New Jersey. “This support has enabled hundreds of employers, especially small businesses, to build greater awareness and understanding of New Jersey’s mandated benefit and worker protection laws.”

Rise Executive Director Leslie Koppel said the funding has helped reach workers facing language barriers or uncertainty about navigating government systems. “This support allows us to meet them where they are, build trust, and make sure everyone understands the rights and opportunities they’re entitled to in the workplace,” she said.

According to NJDOL, CARE grantees have made more than 225,000 in-person connections with workers and employers since the program launched and have assisted more than 6,500 people with benefit applications or complaint forms.

The newly announced NJBUILD funding will support training for women and minority residents preparing for registered apprenticeships or full-time work in construction, building trades and clean-energy occupations. The program provides support services to help ensure job placement and long-term retention.

“The NJBUILD program underscores our state’s commitment to breaking down barriers and empowering underrepresented groups in our workforce,” Asaro-Angelo said. “This vital funding provides women and minority residents with the tools needed to build successful careers in the construction industry, ultimately leading to a more inclusive and resilient economy in New Jersey.”

Debbie M. Myers, CEO of Myers Crossing LLC, said the NJBUILD program has helped trainees gain skills needed to enter the workforce. “It was instrumental in Myers Crossing LLC’s mission to ‘level the playing field’ for minorities and women,” she said. “It helps those going through challenging times gain the skills necessary to enter employment and ultimately remove them from other government subsidies to self-sufficiency.”

Both grant programs are open to a wide range of eligible applicants, including educational institutions, labor-management partnerships, trade associations, community organizations, workforce boards, local governments, and nonprofit groups.

Key dates for both programs include information sessions and application deadlines in November and December. Full notices of grant opportunities and application instructions are available through the New Jersey Department of Labor.