NJDOL Digital Equity Training Grant/NJIT’s "Building Digital Bridges" Program

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

1. 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 eligible for Work First New Jersey (WFNJ). 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 earn reimbursements and keep the laptops used in the program.

2. What do "WFNJ" and "WFNJ-eligible" mean?

  • 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. It provides temporary cash assistance, along with supportive services such as child care, job search and readiness support, and short-term housing assistance. WFNJ includes programs like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) for families with minor children and General Assistance (GA) for single adults and couples without children.
  • WFNJ-eligible refers to individuals or families who meet the specific criteria established by the Work First New Jersey program to receive its benefits and services. Eligibility typically depends on factors such as New Jersey residency, citizenship or qualified non-citizen status, income and resource limits, and a willingness to participate in work activities or employment and training programs.

3. Who is eligible to participate in this program?

The program is designed for residents who are eligible for the Work First New Jersey (WFNJ) program. Participants must be WFNJ-eligible residents residing in Essex, Hunterdon, or Somerset counties in New Jersey. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age at the time their training begins. 

4. 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. 

5. 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.  

6. Are there any stipends or reimbursements available for participants?

Yes, participants may be eligible to receive limited reimbursements (up to $750/person) for costs related to transportation to and from training sessions, for technology and/or internet connection, etc. More details will be given at the program’s mandatory orientation sessions. 

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. How can interested people apply for the program?

Participants should complete a Google registration form (email stefanie.toye@njit.edu for the link) and/or work with their local One-Stop Center to begin the application process.

10. Where can I find more information about the grant and related resources?

EAST ORANGE
East Orange One-Stop Career Center Video
50 South Clinton Street
2nd Floor
East Orange, New Jersey 07018-3120, Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

NEWARK
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. 

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