Mercer Times

The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) has announced a new grant opportunity aimed at providing career coaching and services to residents seeking job training and career advancement. The initiative, part of the "Fund My Future" (FMF) program, is designed to support New Jerseyans in achieving their career goals through financial assistance for upskilling and education.

Governor Phil Murphy highlighted the importance of this grant, stating, "This grant creates valuable opportunities for underserved New Jersey residents. It will ensure that our residents can overcome barriers to meaningful employment and help make New Jersey’s economy fairer for everyone."

Eligible applicants for the grant include non-profit and for-profit entities, government agencies, or higher education institutions. These grantees are expected to work with individuals whose household incomes fall below the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) guidelines. Funding will be provided based on meeting specific performance metrics and expenditures.

Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo emphasized the potential impact of FMF by saying, "Fund My Future allows us to help New Jersey workers who are struggling to stay competitive develop marketable skills today that will grow into their careers of tomorrow." He described the initiative as a launch pad for individuals looking to redefine themselves in the workforce.

The FMF program facilitates financial support by enabling grantees to pay service providers directly. Participants can use these funds for job training, supportive services, and other related expenses necessary for finding meaningful employment.

Originating from Governor Murphy's Future of Work Task Force recommendations, FMF aims to empower participants by helping them secure supportive services needed for training and sustainable employment pathways.

For further details about Fund My Future and application procedures, interested parties can visit NJDOL's grant opportunities page or contact OTWS@dol.nj.gov.