Department of Labor awards $6M in grant funding to help bridge digital divide
The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development announced July 8 that $6 million in new grant funding aiming to help close the digital literacy divide among Work First New Jersey (WFNJ) recipients has been awarded to seven community-based organizations across the state.
This Digital Equity Training grant is a new initiative focused on enhancing tech-based skills among WFNJ participants by providing them with access to training, industry-recognized certifications and employment opportunities.
WFNJ provides cash assistance, child care, job search and readiness support, and short-term housing for eligible Garden State residents and their families.
“Our commitment to reducing the digital divide will help to connect marginalized New Jerseyans with essential tech skills that can lead them to sustainable careers,” said Robert Asaro-Angelo, commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development. “This initiative will help to strengthen our working families, communities, workforce and economy for generations to come.”
This grant funding will provide support to nonprofit, for-profit, governmental, and higher education institutions to integrate digital training into their workforce programs. The seven recipients of the first round of funding of the Digital Equity grant are: the New Jersey Institute of Technology, Literacy New Jersey, the Workforce Development Board of Northwest New Jersey, the Union County Workforce Development Board, Mercer County Community College, Long Beach Island Community Center (St. Francis Community Center), and Atlantic Cape May Community College.
The initiative will foster public-private collaborations to bolster participation in training and career opportunities for WFNJ recipients including recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families and general assistance. The grantees will provide New Jersey WFNJ recipients with skill assessments, comprehensive digital skills training, and support services such as mentoring and technology access.