NJ Department of Labor Awards $6 Million to Help Bridge the Digital Divide for New Jersey Residents

TRENTON — The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) today announced the awardees of $6 million of funding through the Digital Literacy Training Grant aimed at helping to close the digital gap among Work First New Jersey (WFNJ) recipients.

WFNJ provides essential support to eligible New Jersey residents and their families, including cash assistance, childcare, job readiness, and short-term housing.

The FY26 awardees of the Digital Literacy Training Grant include:

• Atlantic Cape Community College
• Inspire U
• Long Beach Island Community Center
• Mercer Med Tech
• New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT)
• Workforce Development Board of Northwest New Jersey

This announcement follows a successful inaugural round of funding through the program that enabled nearly 500 New Jersey residents to gain critical digital skills. The grant fosters public-private collaborations to increase participation in training and career opportunities by WFNJ recipients, including those who receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and General Assistance (GA).

"Everyone deserves to feel the dignity and respect that come from having a job, and this program has helped more New Jerseyans gain the digital skills needed to participate in today's workforce," said Acting Commissioner Kevin D. Jarvis. "Digital literacy isn't just about learning technology—it's about opening doors to careers for Garden State residents to build stronger futures. When we invest in New Jersey residents, we enable them to better care for their families and meaningfully contribute to our communities and state."

Launched in 2025, the Digital Literacy Training Grant provides funding to community-based organizations across New Jersey to offer WFNJ participants digital skills training, industry-recognized certifications and credentials, and connections to employment opportunities.

"We are deeply grateful to the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development for its continued investment in digital literacy across Northern New Jersey," said Dr. Michael Edmondson, Associate Provost of Continuing Learning at NJIT. "A second year of support reflects the importance of equipping residents with the digital knowledge and skills needed to succeed in today's workforce. Together, we're expanding access to high-quality learning opportunities that strengthen workforce capability, promote economic mobility, and prepare individuals for lifelong career success."

The first round of the Digital Literacy Training Grant supported 425 participants receiving digital skills training and 181 residents earning industry-recognized certifications and credentials. Through this program, 66 New Jerseyans secured unsubsidized employment.

"The NJDOL Digital Literacy Training program has been a godsend to me and my family," said Deshawn Riley, a Digital Literacy Training Grant participant. "Prior to enrolling, I didn’t have much information technology training or knowledge. Now I'm CompTIA Tech+ certified and continuing my education in this in-demand career. I owe a lot to the entire NJIT Digital Literacy Training staff for their role in my transformation. From top to bottom, this program is a monumental blessing and opportunity I wish everyone could have."

The Digital Literacy Training Grant will provide New Jersey nonprofit, for-profit, governmental, and higher education institutions with funds to integrate digital training into existing workforce programs. Individual grantees can receive up to $1 million over an 18-month period that runs from July 30, 2026 through January 30, 2028.

For more information on the Digital Literacy Training Grant, visit Department of Labor & Workforce Development | Grant Opportunities.