The Digital Equity Training grant is a competitive funding opportunity offered by the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) for Fiscal Year 2025. This initiative is a part of NJDOL's ongoing efforts to bridge the digital divide across the state. The program is specifically aimed at enhancing digital literacy among recipients of WorkFirst New Jersey (WFNJ) benefits, which include Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), General Assistance (GA), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD). The goal is to foster digital inclusion and support equitable access to training, certifications, and employment.

The primary objectives of the program include developing partnerships to improve digital training access, assessing digital skill gaps, delivering targeted training, and offering supportive services like mentoring, internet access, and technology. The program also emphasizes achieving tangible outcomes such as earning industry-recognized credentials and securing employment. Grantees must provide structured services tailored to the needs of eligible participants and are responsible for planning, implementing, and monitoring program activities throughout the grant period.

Funding for this initiative totals $6,000,000 for FY2025, with a maximum grant of $1,000,000 per applicant. The funding operates on a cost reimbursement basis and includes specific caps on spending categories such as training, supportive services, and administrative costs. The grant period runs from June 1, 2025, to May 31, 2026. Applicants are required to submit a comprehensive application including a narrative, budget, statement of need, and letters of commitment. Proposals must follow strict formatting and submission requirements.

Eligible applicants include nonprofit and for-profit entities, governmental agencies, and institutions of higher education. All applicants must be compliant with NJDOL regulations and free from outstanding liabilities or disqualifying statuses. Public libraries are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants must be prepared to serve a minimum of 125 WFNJ-eligible adults, aged 18 or older, who reside in the counties where services will be delivered.

Applications are due by May 2, 2025, at 2:00 PM and must be submitted electronically to WFNJ@dol.nj.gov. A mandatory technical assistance workshop will be held on April 21, 2025, at 10:00 AM via Microsoft Teams. Interested applicants must RSVP via email. The review and award process involves a panel evaluation and possible revisions before final funding decisions are made.

Grantees are expected to meet performance outcomes, including 80% of participants achieving certification and a 30% employment placement rate. Reporting requirements include monthly fiscal and programmatic reports, quarterly payment reports, and at least one on-site technical assistance visit. The grant also includes clear evaluation criteria emphasizing the quality of the program narrative, organizational capacity, and budget justification.