Digital Literacy Training

The "Future Forward Digitally Driven" 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 and actively receiving Work First New Jersey (WFNJ) benefits.

The no-cost program provides two pathways, preparing participants for industry-recognized certifications like CompTIA Tech+ and A+, as well as NJIT microcredentials in AI Literacy and Digital Literacy. Career development support to enhance employability is also provided.

Participants who meet certain qualifications can keep the laptops used while training in the program and may also receive incentives, such as gift cards, for achieving program milestones. The desired outcomes are certifications and job placement and retention.

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. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, generally known as "food stamps") is also covered within WFNJ.

Learn more about Work First New Jersey.

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.

NJIT's program is designed for adult New Jersey residents who are actively receiving Work First New Jersey (WFNJ) program benefits and who reside in Essex, Bergen, Hudson, Morris, Passaic, Sussex, or Warren counties.

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age at the time their training begins.

Participants will receive Individual Employment Plans (IEPs) to guide them after they are accepted into the program.

Two training tracks are available:

• Information Technology/AI (ITAI): Includes CompTIA Tech+ certification and NJIT's AI Literacy microcredential. Some participants may continue on to CompTIA A+ certification.
• Digital Literacy/AI (DLAI): Includes NJIT's Digital Literacy and AI Literacy microcredentials.

ITAI takes approximately 20 weeks to complete, or approximately 32 weeks for participants continuing through A+. DLAI takes approximately 12 weeks to complete.

Participants should treat the training as a full-time job because they will have many hours of live online work each week along with self-paced assignments and career development activities.

The program is delivered online, in English only, and requires a laptop. Laptops are available for qualifying participants. Training materials are generally written at approximately a 10th-grade reading level or above.

The format combines live online, synchronous learning, typically through Zoom sessions, with independent self-study.

Training, offered in English, will officially begin in October 2026, with applications being accepted beginning in August. The first round of programming will conclude in January 2028.

Additional programming is contingent upon continued funding. Groups are expected to begin approximately every four to six weeks from October 2026 through October 2027.

This round of the program can support up to 100 participants in total.

While there are no stipends or reimbursements for participants, learners may be eligible to receive vouchers related to transportation through NJ Transit, technology or devices, free internet connection, and other supportive services.

Incentives such as gift cards may also be available for participants who achieve certain program milestones, including certification completion.

Additional details will be provided during the program's mandatory orientation sessions, including information about how learners can access available supportive services.

Yes. Participants who satisfy 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 Tech+ certification and NJIT AI Literacy and/or Digital Literacy microcredential.

The program prepares participants for entry-level technology or administrative roles.

Digital literacy is increasingly essential in today's workforce, with about 90% of jobs in New Jersey "definitely" or "likely" requiring digital literacy skills.

Potential occupations may include Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Administrative Services Managers, and other entry-level positions requiring technology and digital workplace skills.

Participants should complete the program's Google application form when it becomes available.

Individuals can currently join the program waitlist here and/or work with their local One-Stop Career Center to begin the application process.

Please note that not everyone who applies will be accepted into the program because a limited number of participant spots are available.

• NJDOL Work First New Jersey Information 
• NJDOL Digital Literacy Training NGO 
• One-Stop Career Centers Information