Training & Education Program for Teens and Young Adults Seeks Registrants for Summer Start Date

Project Self-Sufficiency is offering a $100 gift card to those who refer young adults, ages 16 – 25, to the agency’s New Jersey Youth Corps program; referred individuals must enroll in the program, complete the two-week orientation and be inducted into the program.  The New Jersey Youth Corps gives young adults the opportunity to augment their literacy skills, prepare for the high school equivalency exam, obtain on-the-job work experience, and transition into a career, college or the military.  Participants must be Sussex or Warren County residents, aged 16 – 25, who have not completed high school.  

More than 60 young adults have joined the New Jersey Youth Corps at Project Self-Sufficiency since the program’s launch in September, 2016.  The next cycle of the sixteen-week program launches on June 19th, and includes assessments, testing, employability skills training, life skills workshops, academic instruction, community service projects, field trips, and counseling services.  Program participants will prepare for the high school equivalency examination, and receive a stipend of $100 per week, based on attendance for the full week.  Free transportation is provided.  Childcare is also provided free of charge at the Little Sprouts Early Learning Center. 

Interested students are invited to learn more about the New Jersey Youth Corps at one of the Open Houses scheduled for 5:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 26^th, Thursday,  May 4^th, Tuesday, May 9^th, Monday, May 15^th, Wednesday, May 24^th, and Wednesday, May 31^st, or at noon on Tuesday, June 5^th or 10:00 a.m. on Monday, June 12^th.  

“This innovative program offers young adults the opportunity to earn a high school diploma, obtain on-the-job training, and receive essential support as they move on to college, a career or military service,” noted Project Self-Sufficiency Executive Director Deborah Berry-Toon.  “We work closely with Sussex County Community College to implement testing for the high school equivalency exam and provide transition services for those students who want to continue their education.  In addition, the New Jersey Youth Corps participants can take advantage of Project Self-Sufficiency’s state-of-the-art Career Center, our on-site childcare center and case management services.” 

Recent New Jersey Youth Corps program graduate Cortney Pruden learned about the program from her high school guidance counselor.  After struggling to feel comfortable in high school, Pruden hit her stride with the smaller class sizes and community service options offered through the New Jersey Youth Corps at Project Self-Sufficiency.  “Before the New Jersey Youth Corps, I was not the person I am today,” comments Pruden.  “The Youth Corps taught me about ethics, responsibility and motivation.  I did my community service in the day care center here, and working with kids made me realize that this is where I should be.  I’m going to go to Sussex County Community College and study education.”

The New Jersey Youth Corps, which is funded by the New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development, is also in operation at sites around the state, including Camden, Elizabeth, Jersey City, New Brunswick, Newark, Paterson, Phillipsburg, Pleasantville, Trenton and Vineland.  Those who are interested in learning more about the New Jersey Youth Corps at Project Self-Sufficiency are encouraged to call 973-940-3500.  To register for the New Jersey Youth Corps at Project Self-Sufficiency, or to find out more about other programs and services offered by Project Self-Sufficiency, visit www.projectselfsufficiency.org.