New Jersey Youth Corps to be Offered by Project Self-Sufficiency

The New Jersey Youth Corps will take root at Project Self-Sufficiency this fall. The program, funded by the New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development, provides young adults the opportunity to augment their literacy skills, prepare for the high school equivalency exam, obtain on-the-job work experience, and transition into a career, college or the military. Participants must be Sussex or Warren County residents, aged 16 – 25, who have not completed high school. The sixteen-week program launches on October 10th, and includes assessments, testing, employability skills training, life skills workshops, academic instruction, community service projects, field trips, and counseling services. Program participants will prepare for the high school equivalency examination, and receive a stipend of $100 per week, based on attendance for the full week. Free transportation is provided. Childcare is also provided free of charge at the Little Sprouts Early Learning Center.

“This innovative program offers young adults the opportunity to earn a high school diploma, obtain on-the-job training, and receive essential support as they move on to college, a career or military service,” noted Project Self-Sufficiency Executive Director Deborah Berry-Toon. “The New Jersey Youth Corps dovetails perfectly with Project Self-Sufficiency’s existing programs. Program participants will be able to take advantage of Project Self-Sufficiency’s established, state-of-the-art Career Center, our on-site childcare center and case management services.” The New Jersey Youth Corps is already in place at sites around the state, including Camden, Elizabeth, Jersey City, New Brunswick, Newark, Paterson, Phillipsburg, Pleasantville, Trenton and Vineland.

“We are excited to welcome Project Self-Sufficiency to New Jersey Youth Corps,” said Deputy Commissioner Aaron R. Fichtner, Ph.D., of the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development. “This year, our department is investing more than $5 million in Youth Corps programs throughout the state to engage young adults who have dropped out of high school through a year-round program of full-time community service, training and educational activities to put them on a path of self-reliance. I am confident that the new Sussex County site will build on this program’s record of success.”

Young adults who are interested in learning more about the New Jersey Youth Corps at Project Self-Sufficiency are encouraged to call 973-940-3510. Project Self-Sufficiency is a community-based non-profit organization which specializes in services for low-income families in northwestern New Jersey. Programs offered at Project Self-Sufficiency include family literacy education, computer training and job placement services, assistance with parenting skills, childcare, counseling and advocacy, referrals, and help with emergency basic needs. For information about the programs and services offered by Project Self-Sufficiency, visit www.projectselfsufficiency.org.