Digital Equity Training

Digital Equity Training is sponsored by New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL). This grant offers WorkFirst New Jersey (WFNJ) participants the opportunity to obtain digital literacy training. Digital literacy is defined as the ability to navigate, understand, and effectively utilize digital technologies in everyday life, crucial for communication, education, employment, and access to resources.

NJDOL Digital Equity Training Grant/NJIT’s "Building Digital Bridges" Program | The Learning and Development Initiative NJDOL Digital Equity Training Grant/NJIT’s "Building Digital Bridges" Program NJDOL Digital Equity Training Grant/NJIT’s "Building Digital Bridges" Program Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) The Learning and Development Initiative NJDOL Digital Equity Training Grant/NJIT’s "Building Digital Bridges" Program Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): For additional questions about this grant, please contact Stefanie Toye, Associate Director of Workforce Development via email .

If you would like to participate in this grant, please complete this form . What is the "Building Digital Bridges" program?

The "Building Digital Bridges" program is a digital literacy (basic computer and software skills) training initiative offered by the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) to address the digital divide in New Jersey, particularly for individuals and families who are receiving Work First New Jersey (WFNJ) benefits in the form of TANF, SNAP, GA, and/or other eligible assistance.

The program provides comprehensive digital literacy training, prepares participants for industry-recognized certifications like CompTIA ITF+, and offers career development support to enhance employability. Participants who meet certain qualifications can potentially receive up to $750 for eligible supportive costs and keep the laptops used in the program. Who is eligible to participate in this program?

Participants must be adult New Jersey residents who are receiving WFNJ benefits (current TANF, GA, and/or SNAP recipients) and live in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris, Passaic, Sussex, or Warren counties. Proof of residency, eligibility, and identification will be required. WFNJ (Work First New Jersey) is the State of New Jersey's welfare program.

Its primary goal is to help individuals and families achieve self-sufficiency by emphasizing work as the first step. WFNJ includes programs like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) for families with minor children, General Assistance (GA) for single adults and couples without children, and SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) formerly known as food stamps.

Participants should have an active case number and/or AOSOS (American One-Stop Operating System) ID number obtained from their local workforce development board. What kind of training does the program offer, how long does it take, and what is the format? Participants will receive individual training plans to guide them through.

The core digital literacy training, including an AI literacy component, spans about 12 weeks of structured instruction, with additional career mentoring sessions with the goal of attaining paid employment. Participants will engage in up to 21 hours per week of group technology training and career readiness and will be expected to complete assignments on their own, independently, as well as attending sessions.

While the majority of the training is virtual, there will be several live events held on the NJIT campus. Please see below for more details: Foundational Digital Literacy (JobWorks Digital Lite Program): 4 weeks of essential digital skills offered live remotely via Zoom.

CompTIA IT Fundamentals Certification Preparation (JobWorks IT Foundations Boot Camp - CompTIA ITF+): 8-week intensive boot camp to prepare for the CompTIA ITF+ credential offered live remotely via Zoom. NJIT's AI Literacy Certificate: 20 hours of self-paced AI education offered online at the participants’ convenience.

Career Readiness Coaching: Includes resume improvement, interview coaching, and optimizing job performance offered live remotely via Zoom. Learners begin with group training and then meet individually online with their mentors. When does the program begin and end?

The training (offered in English) will begin officially in September 2025 with applications being accepted starting in July 2025 and the first round ending May 31, 2026. Additionally, programming is contingent upon continued funding. Groups are likely to start each month from September 2025 through January 2026 and can support up to 150 participants in total.

Can participants earn a device (a laptop) through the program? Yes, participants who satisfy the program requirements can earn a refurbished laptop with a case and mouse to keep. To be eligible, participants generally need to meet 80% attendance across all scheduled program events and training sessions, attend mandatory sessions, and/or successfully obtain the CompTIA ITF+ certification and NJIT AI literacy microcredential.

What kind of jobs can participants expect to get after completing the program? The program prepares participants for entry-level technology or administrative roles. Digital literacy is increasingly essential, with about 90% of jobs in New Jersey "definitely” or “likely" requiring it.

Potential roles include Secretaries/Administrative Assistants and Administrative Service Managers. How can interested people apply for the program? Participants should complete this Google registration form .

If you have any questions regarding this form, please email stefanie. toye@njit. edu .

You can also work with your local One-Stop Center to begin the application process. Where can I find more information about the grant and related resources?

NJDOL Work First New Jersey Information: Work First New Jersey NJDOL Press Release (example): NJDOL Press Release NJDOL Digital Equity Training NGO (example): NJDOL Digital Equity Training NGO One-Stop Centers Information East Orange One-Stop Career Center Video East Orange, New Jersey 07018-3120, Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 a. m. - 4:30 p.

m. Newark One-Stop Career Center Video (English and Spanish Options) 990 Mayor Kenneth A. Gibson Boulevard Newark, New Jersey 07102, Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 a.

m. - 4:30 p. m.

Funding for this program has generously been provided by the NJDOL Digital Equity Training grant.