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Bill

A 4917

Establishes five-year youth workforce readiness grant pilot program; appropriates $5 million.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Shanique Speight

Creates a five-year Youth Workforce Readiness Grant Pilot with $5M to fund programs that build youth skills, work-based learning, and career exposure.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Labor Committee
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Bill Summary · A 4917

Summary of New Jersey Bill A-4917 (Session 222)

Title

Establishes a five-year Youth Workforce Readiness Grant Pilot Program; appropriates $5,000,000.

Main purpose and intent

  • Create a pilot program to enhance youth workforce readiness.
  • Provide targeted grants to support programs and activities that prepare young people for in-demand jobs, career pathways, and successful transitions from education to employment.
  • The goal is to improve job readiness, exposure to promising careers, and access to work-based learning opportunities for youth.

Key provisions and changes

  • Pilot Program Establishment

    • Creates a five-year pilot program (the “Youth Workforce Readiness Grant Pilot Program”) within the appropriate state agency (the bill specifies administration but the exact agency name should be confirmed in the text).
    • Purpose: fund activities and programs that develop skills and readiness for the workforce among youth.

  • Funding and Appropriation

    • Authorizes a total appropriation of $5 million for the duration of the pilot period.
    • Allocation may be distributed to grantees on a competitive or formula basis as defined by implementing regulations.

  • Eligible Grantees and Activities

    • Eligible entities may include local governments, school districts, nonprofit organizations, workforce development boards, community-based organizations, or other entities designated by the administering agency.
    • Activities may include:
    • Career exploration and guidance
    • Work-based learning experiences (e.g., internships, apprenticeships)
    • Skills training aligned with labor market needs
    • Soft skills development (communication, professionalism, teamwork)
    • Mentoring and coaching
    • Collaboration with employers to identify high-demand occupations
    • Preference or prioritization criteria may be described (e.g., serving at-risk youth, underrepresented groups, or underserved regions).

  • Program Requirements and Oversight

    • Grantees must meet reporting, accountability, and measurement standards established by the administering agency.
    • Possible outcome metrics include participant enrollment numbers, completion rates, skill gains, placement in jobs or further education, retention in employment, and wage outcomes.
    • The agency may require grantees to collaborate with employers and educational institutions and to implement evaluation components.

  • Duration and Sunset

    • The pilot program operates for five years.
    • Post-pilot evaluation to determine effectiveness and potential expansion or permanency of the program.

Who would be affected

  • Youth participants: benefit from expanded access to career exploration, training, and work-based opportunities.
  • Schools, local governments, and nonprofits: could apply for and receive grants to implement workforce readiness activities.
  • Employers and industry partners: may collaborate with grantees to design relevant training and provide work-based experiences.
  • State agencies: responsible for administration, grant oversight, reporting, and program evaluation.

Timelines and procedural notes

  • Five-year pilot timeframe starting from a defined effective date after enactment.
  • Regular reporting and annual or periodic progress updates as required by the bill.
  • A final evaluation at the conclusion of the five-year period to assess outcomes and inform decisions on scaling or continuation.

This summary captures the core aims and structure of Bill A-4917, including the program’s purpose, funding, eligible participants, key activities, oversight, and the five-year horizon. For practical implementation details (such as the administering agency’s name, specific grant application processes, and exact performance metrics), the bill’s text and any associated regulations should be consulted.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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