New Jersey Youth Corps Graduates Class at Project Self-Sufficiency

The Sussex County New Jersey Youth Corps recently awarded high school diplomas to students at a celebratory graduation ceremony at Project Self-Sufficiency. The 16-week program offers education and training in preparation for the high school equivalency exam. Commemorative photos, along with caps and gowns, were provided by Project Self-Sufficiency Board member Kathy Esposito and Legacy Studios. Students from the program’s most recent graduating class will continue their education, join the workforce or enter the military.

New Jersey Youth Corps Graduates Celebrate their Success

“This innovative program offers young adults who might not have been successful in a traditional high school setting the opportunity to earn a high school diploma, get on-the-job training and receive essential support as they enter the next stage in their life,” explains Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director of Project Self-Sufficiency. “We are proud to have been able to support these individuals as they move on to college, a career or military service.”

Through the New Jersey Youth Corps at Project Self-Sufficiency young adults can 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. In addition to classroom instruction, New Jersey Youth Corps participants take their learning on the road to wildlife preserves, social service agencies, state parks and other institutions where they assist with work projects and other tasks.

The curriculum includes assessments, testing, employability skills training, life skills workshops, academic instruction, community service projects, field trips, and counseling services. Program participants 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. The 16-week program operates multiple times a year; enrollment is still open for the next session which begins March 9^th.

The students who graduated from the Sussex County New Jersey Youth Corps at Project Self-Sufficiency included Joshua Corno, Angelina Daga, Emily Dagis, Frank Fasanello, Katelyn Green, Jaylin Leadum, Truley Miller, Jimmy Murillo, Christopher Novoa, Savannah Otero, Heather Randazzo, Camila Sanchez, Paul Toth, Joanna Travisano, Alexander Vejen, Shamar Williams, and Gianna Wilson.

“The dedication of the New Jersey Youth Corps staff and volunteers to the students in this program is unparalleled,” adds Berry-Toon. “The time they take to work with each and every student makes this a unique educational experience and we are indebted to them for their commitment.”

Agency staff members who work with the New Jersey Youth Corps include Alayna Donadio, Julia Blodnik, Rebecka Green, Kyersten Geiger, Haley McCracken, Samantha Rigatti, Patrice Green, Dick Kowal, Elaine Angle, Michelle Michaluk, Tom Needhammer, Alice Prendergast, Jane Foerster and Matthew Berke. Volunteers include Mary Belloff, George Estes, Shelly Ferguson, Gary Foerster, Vinny Franco, Lorraine Hannan, Peter Mahler, Mel Moscowitz, George Mosley, Gregg Nardozza, Tim Parker, Bonnie Puzio and Mary Rapuano.

The next cycle of the New Jersey Youth Corps at Project Self-Sufficiency will launch March 9, 2020. Project Self-Sufficiency is offering a $100 gift card to those who refer young adults, ages 16 – 25, to the 16-week program. To receive the gift card, referred individuals must enroll in the program, complete the two-week orientation and be inducted into the program.

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. To register for the Sussex County New Jersey Youth Corps, or to find out more about other programs and services offered by Project Self-Sufficiency, visit www.projectselfsufficiency.org or call 973-940-3500.

Little Sprouts Recognized for Excellence

The Little Sprouts Early Learning Center was recently awarded a four-star rating from Grow NJ Kids , the state-sponsored initiative to raise the quality of child care and early learning throughout New Jersey. The rating is based on a rigorous process which considers documentation, classroom environment, in-person observations, and other factors. The Little Sprouts Early Learning Center is an expansive childcare and preschool facility which offers space for 83 youngsters, ages 6 weeks to 6 years, and is operated by Project Self-Sufficiency at 127 Mill Street in Newton. Jennifer Blohm is a Technical Assistance Specialist from the Central Jersey Family Health Consortium , one of three agencies assigned to provide technical assistance and support to programs participating in Grow NJ Kids. Blohm was so impressed by the quality of the Little Sprouts Early Learning Center environment, that she decided to enroll her own child in the preschool. “The goal of Grow NJ Kids is t

High School Diploma Program Launches in March

Enrollment for the next session of the New Jersey Youth Corps program at Project Self-Sufficiency is underway. The sixteen-week program launches in March and is currently being offered as a hybrid of virtual and in-person curricula and activities. The New Jersey Youth Corps gives those who have not completed high school the opportunity to boost 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. Interested participants are invited to attend virtual Open House hosted by Project Self-Sufficiency to learn more about the New Jersey Youth Corps and to complete an application. Virtual Open Houses will be held on Tuesdays at 5:00 p.m., January 19 th , 26 th , February 2 nd , 9 th , and 16th, as well as Thursdays at noon, January 21 st , 28 th , February 4 th , 11 th, and 18 th . In addition, Project Self-Sufficiency is offering a $100 gift card to those who refer a young a

Volunteers and Paid Instructors Needed for High School Equivalency Program

Paid instructors and volunteers are needed to work with young adults in the New Jersey Youth Corps high school equivalency and employment skills training program at Project Self-Sufficiency. Program coordinators are searching for help with tutoring in science, math, social studies, and English as well as assistance with community service projects. Tutors will also assist with basic reading comprehension and vocabulary. Opportunities are available Monday - Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.; a part-time, flexible schedule is offered. "The situation is ideal for college students or educators who might be taking a break from their regular schedule due to the pandemic,” notes Project Self-Sufficiency Executive Director Deborah Berry-Toon. Those with experience in business, construction trades, building maintenance and landscaping are particularly welcome. The New Jersey Youth Corps gives young adults the opportunity to augment their literacy skills, prepare for the hig

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