Official Site of The State of New Jersey

February 6, 2026

TRENTON – The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) has announced $6 million in available grant funding through the Job Opportunities for Building Success (JOBS) initiative, which provides essential training, employment, and retention services to justice-impacted New Jersey residents. This is the first round of JOBS grant funding available in 2026. 

“The JOBS initiative provides individuals with essential training and employment services along with the opportunity to successfully reintegrate into society,” said Governor Mikie Sherrill. “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.” 

JOBS aims to facilitate the successful reentry of justice-impacted New Jerseyans into the workforce by offering career services, training, paid internships, apprenticeships, and support services such as transportation and ID obtainment. 

“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.” 

Key components of the JOBS initiative include providing ongoing career coaching and mentoring; offering virtual services to improve training accessibility; facilitating internship placements for work experience; and partnering with employers to increase unsubsidized employment opportunities and retention. The program also uses data and evidence to track outcomes and optimize program participants’ use of JOBS funds. 

Alfonso Ruiz, a participant in the JOBS program with Transition Professionals, expressed his gratitude for the support he received: "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. 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 program will award grants to six organizations across the state to support the development of partnerships with justice-related entities and critical support for justice-impacted individuals to assist them with finding and retaining employment. Each of the six selected grantees is estimated to receive up to $1 million over the course of the 24-month grant period expected to begin June 1, 2026.  

KEY DATES: 

• March 4, 2026: Letter of Intent due by 4 p.m. via email to JOBS@dol.nj.gov.
• March 5, 2026, 10 a.m.: Mandatory technical assistance session. Applicants will be registered upon receipt of Letter of Intent.
• April 2, 2026: Application due by 4 p.m. 

To view the complete application instructions and the full Notice of Grant Opportunity, click here. 

For information on all available NJDOL grants visit the Department’s Grant Opportunities website.

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