Supporting Teen Parents with Job Training and Driver Education

Teens and young adults who are pregnant or parenting can get help with job training, driver’s education, parenting classes, and case management through the Bridges to Employing Youth Program offered by Project Self-Sufficiency. While working towards parenting and employment goals, enrolled students can access supportive services offered by the agency, such as job skills training and parenting classes, while receiving behind-the-wheel coursework, obtaining a learner’s permit, and preparing for the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission Knowledge Test. Free transportation and childcare are available to all participants, in addition to access to the food pantry, legal assistance and education, help with career goals, and financial literacy training. After the 4-week course, program participants are poised to move on to higher education, unsubsidized employment, occupational training, apprenticeships, or military service. The Bridges to Employment program operates Tuesday and Thursdays, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at the agency’s Newton campus.

“The Bridges to Employing Youth program offers a unique combination of educational, employment and case management services which can transform the future of our students and their families,” explains Deborah Berry-Toon, Project Self-Sufficiency’s Executive Director.

Eligibility for the Bridges to Employing Youth program is based on age, pregnancy or parenting status, and employment needs. Academic services are provided to those who have already achieved a high school diploma but require basic skills remediation. Those who do not need educational services focus on employability and parenting skills. All students are eligible for driver’s education training. A monthly stipend is provided for attendance.

The Bridges to Employing Youth Program is funded by the New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development. Those who are interested in learning more about the Bridges to Employing Youth initiative at Project Self-Sufficiency are encouraged to register online at www.projectselfsufficiency.org or call 973-940-3500.