In celebration of Earth Month, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) announced that it recently approved four applications under the New Jersey Green Workforce Training Grant Challenge, totaling over $4.3 million in funding.
The awardees will develop training programs to prepare New Jersey residents for green economy careers, with a particular focus on advancing diversity, equity and inclusion while also serving overburdened communities.
“These four approvals through the Green Workforce Training Grant Challenge will provide long-lasting solutions that will protect our environment while creating opportunities for New Jersey’s most vulnerable workforce,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “This grant challenge is a unique chance for entities across New Jersey to train residents for jobs in clean energy and other vital green sectors, which will help support a stronger and more diverse economy.”
The Grant Challenge was a competitive funding opportunity, and applicants had to submit proposals outlining their plans to develop and implement workforce supports to bolster the green economy, with a focus on New Jersey’s overburdened communities. Grants from $250,000 up to $1.5 million were available. Awardees may use funds to cover design, planning, capital and implementation costs to offer training programs in green economy industries.
“Guided by the recommendations of the New Jersey Green Economy Task Force, New Jersey is preparing its residents for a cleaner, more environmentally friendly and resilient economy,” said First Lady Tammy Murphy. “The organizations that received funding through the Green Workforce Training Grant Challenge are addressing climate change head-on by both building out our talent pipeline and also providing necessary support to ensure equitable access to trainings and certifications.”
The following four applicants will receive grant funding through the NJ Green Workforce Training Grant Challenge:
- Elizabeth Development Company of New Jersey ($500,000): The Elizabeth Development Company of New Jersey, in collaboration with Dimension Energy, will provide hands-on solar energy training with graduates earning North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) Photovoltaic Associate certification and OSHA 30-hour certification. The course will take place in Elizabeth and Jersey City. Supportive services for participants will include stipends, job readiness training and support with accessing public benefits.
- Ideal Education A NJ Nonprofit Corporation ($1,500,000): Ideal Education will be training individuals to become certified NJ Clean Energy Program Installers and Weatherization and Energy Auditors in collaboration with Coalition for a Safe Community and Community Strategies and Solutions. The training will take place in-person in Pleasantville and will also utilize a mobile hands-on training unit and a virtual platform. Supportive services for participants will include transportation assistance, child care services, counseling and mentorship and job placement support.
- New Jersey Environmental Justice Alliance, Inc. (NJEJA) ($1,373,000): NJEJA will provide training in collaboration with Soulful Synergy and Green Tech Leaders on building systems, thermal systems, weatherization and heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), leading to multiple industry-recognized certifications. The training will be hybrid with the in-person portion taking place in Newark. Supportive services for participants will include stipends, mentorship, transportation, child care and other health services support.
- Hugo Neu Realty Management, LLC ($976,987): Hugo Neu will conduct training modules for graduates to obtain the Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) Certification and the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP) Certification, with the EV program recruiting those who have already received their Electrical Assistant training. The training will be hybrid with the in-person portion taking place in Kearny. Hugo Neu Realty Management will collaborate with the New Jersey Reentry Corporation and will offer supportive services such as stipends, assistance accessing public benefits programs, health support, housing assistance, job placement support and access to legal services for record expungement.
“The Murphy Administration remains dedicated to building a clean energy future, and through initiatives like the Green Workforce Training Grant, the NJEDA is leading efforts to expand access to essential workforce training and development opportunities in emerging green sectors,” said NJEDA chief executive officer Tim Sullivan. “The Grant Challenge highlights the state’s continued commitment to ensuring New Jersey residents are at the forefront of the green economy and that those in overburdened communities are prepared to take on the good-paying jobs of the future.”
“These awards will continue to empower our residents to get trained in cutting-edge jobs that support the clean economy,” said Eric Miller, executive director of the Council on the Green Economy. “The clean energy sector is one of the fastest-growing sectors of our economy, and preparing our citizens to benefit from that growth is exactly what these awards accomplish.”
