New Jersey Institute of Technology’s professional education and non-credit division, the Learning and Development Initiative (LDI), is providing a learning opportunity for those who might not necessarily be seeking degrees, thanks to the New Jersey Department of Labor’s Digital Equity Training (DET) grant.
NJIT is a designated North New Jersey awardee of the grant aimed at “Building Digital Bridges” so that Work First New Jersey benefit recipients can receive training and resources related to computing and job-seeking. Cohorts began in October and will continue through May 2026 as the program continues to accept applications.
The $1 million grant-funded program is designed to remove barriers and equip learners with computer skills from basics to artificial intelligence, free refurbished laptops with internet service, and non-degree credentials, with the ultimate goal of attaining and retaining employment. Essex County is partnering with NJIT, along with JobWorks and Builded, two nonprofits who assist with the training.
The program is ambitious, aiming to train 150 people by May 2026, with the next cohort starting in December and more to come after the new year. Each cohort spends about 14 weeks completing coursework, beginning with digital literacy basics and finishing with artificial intelligence. The Essex County One-Stop Career Center and Workforce Development Board have been instrumental in recruiting and have helped solicit over 230 applications to date.