Elevating High-Quality Work-Based Learning Grant Program

Purpose:
The Elevating High-Quality Work-Based Learning grant supports the planning, implementation, and expansion of innovative work-based learning (WBL) practices designed to increase student engagement in high-demand career pathways. Eligible Local Education Agencies (LEAs) must propose creative strategies to expand access to high-quality WBL opportunities, whether focused on career preparation or career training.
Career preparation experiences involve sustained, interactive engagement with professionals from business and industry to deepen students’ understanding and build essential skills aligned with their chosen career pathway. Examples include internships and cooperative education.
Career training experiences represent the highest level of WBL. These are paid opportunities that provide targeted instruction and hands-on learning to develop the specific skills, knowledge, and competencies required for a particular job or occupation. Examples include pre-apprenticeships, youth apprenticeships, and clinical experiences.
Through this competitive grant, LEAs dedicated to establishing and strengthening WBL programs and partnerships rooted in meaningful stakeholder collaboration, will develop sustainable pathways that prepare students for high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand career opportunities.
This NGO is open to LEAs with grades 9-12 currently eligible to receive Perkins funding. The Career and Technical Education (CTE) program(s) of study referenced in the grant application must be currently approved and are actively serving students.
Eligible applicants may apply for awards up to $15,000, $30,000, or $50,000 based on the LEA’s combined total percentage of student participation in both career preparation and training WBL experiences as indicated in the 2024 NJSMART CTE Data submission.  Twelve (12) awards are expected to be made.
This is a single fifteen (15) month grant program.
Based on the availability of FY26 State Career Readiness and Technical Education Aid appropriations, this single project period grant program will begin April 1, 2026, and end on June 30, 2027.