New Jersey Institute of Technology’s professional education and non-credit division, the Learning and Development Initiative (LDI), is providing a learning opportunity for those who might not necessarily be seeking degrees, thanks to the New Jersey Department of Labor’s Digital Equity Training (DET) grant.
NJIT is a designated North New Jersey awardee of the grant aimed at “Building Digital Bridges” so that Work First New Jersey benefit recipients can receive training and resources related to computing and job-seeking. Cohorts began in October and will continue through May 2026 as the program continues to accept applications.
The $1 million grant-funded program is designed to remove barriers and equip learners with computer skills from basics to artificial intelligence, free refurbished laptops with internet service, and non-degree credentials, with the ultimate goal of attaining and retaining employment. Essex County is partnering with NJIT, along with JobWorks and Builded, two nonprofits who assist with the training.
The program is ambitious, aiming to train 150 people by May 2026, with the next cohort starting in December and more to come after the new year. Each cohort spends about 14 weeks completing coursework, beginning with digital literacy basics and finishing with artificial intelligence. The Essex County One-Stop Career Center and Workforce Development Board have been instrumental in recruiting and have helped solicit over 230 applications to date.
The first two cohorts began their coursework in October, including learner Jason who said, “We have experienced (online) instructors. If we ever need help, they are able to pull us to the side in a virtual break room for a 1-on-1, which is great!”
Another student, Nicole, says of the training, “It has come right when I needed it … I am grateful for the opportunity to join this program and receive help getting back to gainful employment again.”
“We are excited to be able to serve members of the Newark community and surrounding areas who might not otherwise set foot on NJIT’s campus even though it is in their backyard,” said Michael Edmondson, associate provost, Continued Learning. “Digital access means job access in today–and tomorrow’s–world of work.”
Stefanie Toye, associate director of workforce development at the LDI, said the initiative builds on strong local partnerships to expand digital access and opportunity across Newark and Essex County.
“We’ve met lots of job-seekers who just need the digital tools to thrive, and we hope this program delivers that,” she said. Toye added that what makes the program distinctive is that DET participants can earn the same AI Literacy microcredential being offered to all NJIT undergraduates — a credential emphasizing the safe and ethical use of AI, a skill now essential across many sectors in New Jersey’s growing AI hub.
JobWorks’ role in the partnership delivers virtual training that prepares participants for an industry-recognized CompTia credential — the Tech+ certification. John Casella, chief growth officer of JobWorks Inc., said, “The NJIT participants are incredibly engaged in the program and are working hard to launch an IT career. We believe this will be a transformative educational experience for Essex County residents who are looking to build a brighter future for themselves and their families.”
What makes this initiative particularly potent is the institutional anchor: NJIT is New Jersey’s only public polytechnic university. With a deep-rooted commitment to applied technology, science, and engineering, NJIT is uniquely qualified to deliver high-impact learning. This focus means that the foundational digital literacy and advanced topics like AI are taught with an eye toward real-world work application, ensuring the skills participants acquire are precisely what New Jersey employers are seeking.
By incorporating BuildEd’s Career Performance Training, the curriculum extends beyond academic and technical instruction to focus on job readiness and real-world application. The approach is supported by BuildEd’s program operations coordinator, Alli Mayer-Keating, who has closely observed NJIT’s participants throughout the training.
“I have been thrilled with the performance by each and every one who has been involved,” Mayer-Keating said. “They are active participants and have brought in healthy discussion amongst themselves, others and with the facilitator.” Participants also receive job and career coaching and are introduced to the many career pathways these credentials can open — including cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, management, health care and business, among other fields.
The NJIT DET program has been constructed to be robust and holistic, recognizing that technical proficiency alone often isn’t enough to secure and maintain stable employment. The program embeds soft skills coaching directly alongside the technical coursework. Participants receive focused instruction and mentorship on essential professional skills. This dual focus ensures participants leave not only with a CompTIA certification and an AI microcredential, but also with the confidence and professionalism necessary to navigate the modern workplace.
NJIT is addressing the full spectrum of employer needs by interweaving different aspects of job-readiness, making these trained workers not just digitally literate, but leaders in New Jersey’s growing tech and AI-driven economy. 
For more information about applying for the NJDOL DET program with NJIT, please reach out to DigitalTraining@njit.edu.
