The Youth Inclusion Initiative (YII) is a grant program offered by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to support the development of a diverse and inclusive green workforce. The program provides opportunities for underserved and underrepresented youth, aged 16-20, to gain hands-on experience in environmental protection, conservation, and sustainability careers. The initiative is designed to expose youth to a wide range of environmental fields through practical activities, career guidance, and workforce development.

This program partners with Community Host Organizations (CHOs) to recruit, supervise, and mentor youth participants. CHOs will provide professional development services and stipends to participants, while the DEP offers technical exposure through career-oriented activities such as field visits, educational workshops, and skill-building exercises. The YII is structured as a stipend-based job opportunity, rather than a traditional summer camp, ensuring participants gain real-world experience in environmental stewardship.

The initiative is particularly focused on communities with limited access to natural spaces and aims to bridge gaps in environmental workforce participation among marginalized populations. As part of the program, each CHO will receive funding to facilitate youth recruitment, program implementation, and supervision. A key component of the initiative is the execution of a Community-Based Project, for which CHOs will receive dedicated funding. These projects will involve hands-on environmental work, such as stormwater management projects, community clean-ups, and habitat restoration.

The YII also aligns with the Council on the Green Economy’s “Green Jobs for a Sustainable Future” report, supporting New Jersey’s broader goal of fostering sustainability-focused career pathways. The program operates with a strong emphasis on environmental justice, requiring that CHOs target recruitment in overburdened communities that meet at least two out of three criteria: low-income, minority population, or limited English proficiency. Additionally, CHOs must be located in Urban Aid Municipalities, ensuring that program resources directly benefit high-need areas.

Through a structured schedule, YII participants engage in a variety of activities across different DEP divisions, including Air, Energy & Sustainability, Site Remediation, Parks, Watershed Management, and Wildlife Conservation. They also receive mentorship and career training through resume workshops, networking opportunities, and mock interviews. The program concludes with a Final Presentation Day, where youth showcase their learning experiences and community projects to DEP leadership and stakeholders.