About

The LDI is NJIT's hub for professional education and workforce development. 

In a world defined by continuous disruption, organizations and communities must maintain relevance to achieve financial sustainability.

Leaders have two choices: focus primarily on efficiency and profit maximization or balance economic performance with human development. For those pursuing the latter, two priorities become essential:

  1. Build Digital Equity and AI Literacy so people can fully participate in the digital economy. 
  2. Strengthen Workforce Capability by developing both technological competencies and human adaptive skills. 

To support these goals, the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) has the Learning and Development Initiative (LDI), the university’s hub for professional education and workforce development. Launched in 2024, the LDI created a proprietary learning and development ecosystem known as FutureWork™ consisting of three distinct and interrelated elements:

  • FutureWork™ Framework – A nationally recognized and research-backed model built around six skill domains: AI Literacy, Data Literacy, Digital Literacy, Agile Thinking, Change Navigation, and Resource Optimization. 
  • FutureWork™ Inventory – A diagnostic assessment that measures readiness and provides personalized insights. Organizations use the Inventory to assess the skills of their employees and to craft customized learning pathways.
  • FutureWork™ Portfolio – A collection of online, self-paced courses designed to build capability across the six domains. 

To date, the LDI has:

  • Received a $1M grant from the New Jersey Department of Labor to support Digital Equity Training
  • Received a generous gift from the Verizon Foundation to strengthen workforce development training related to cybersecurity.
  • Established a partnership with SHI International Corp., a leading global provider of technology solutions and services, to offer NJIT’s AI Literacy and AI for Educators microcredentials nationwide
  • Worked with over 40 clients in various industries; including NJTransit
  • Partnered with Opportunity@Work and joined the Tear the Paper Ceiling Coalition, becoming the only university in New Jersey participating in the national movement to advance skills-based hiring. 
  • Partnered with Hire Heroes USA to support veterans transitioning into civilian careers through workforce development and career readiness initiatives.

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