Pre-Employment Transition Services – Paid Work-Based Learning Experiences
Forecasted
This grant funds paid work-based learning and career readiness programs for New Jersey students with disabilities, integrating research-based transition services and employer partnerships to support employment success.
Funder: New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development
Due Dates (Anticipated): July 2027: Letter of Intent deadline (projected) | July 2027: Application deadline (projected)
Funding Amounts: ~$18.75M total available for FY27; typical award ~$750,000 per provider for one year, renewable up to 3 years.
Summary: Supports paid work-based learning experiences for students with disabilities (ages 16–21), combining career counseling, skills training, and employer partnerships to foster successful employment transitions.
Description
This initiative provides funding to organizations to deliver paid work-based learning experiences (WBLE) for students with disabilities (SWD) ages 16–21 in New Jersey. The program is structured to include job exploration counseling, workplace readiness training, self-advocacy instruction, and counseling on post-secondary education, both before and after a 150-hour paid work placement. The goal is to build foundational employment skills, reinforce positive workplace behaviors, and help students identify or confirm career interests, while ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations. Providers are also expected to expand outreach, build employer partnerships, and maintain rigorous standards for service delivery and reporting.
