Elevating High-Quality Work-Based Learning

The New Jersey Department of Education is offering a competitive grant to support Local Education Agencies (LEAs) in expanding high‑quality work‑based learning (WBL) opportunities for 9‑12 grade students. Eligible LEAs must have reported non‑zero WBL participation in the 2024 NJSMART data and must propose innovative strategies to increase student engagement in career‑preparation (internships, co‑ops) and career‑training (pre‑apprenticeships, clinical experiences) pathways. Awards range from $15K to $50K per district, with a total pool of $450K, and the grant period runs 15 months (April 1 2026 – June 30 2027). Applications are due Feb 18 2026 via the EWEG system; a technical assistance session is offered on Jan 22 2026. • Target audience: NJ public school districts (LEAs) receiving Perkins funding and with active CTE programs. • Funding tiers based on 2024 WBL participation percentages (15K, 30K, or 50K maximum per award). • Allowed costs include professional development, consultant services, travel, curriculum development, and related WBL platform expenses; indirect costs capped at 10 %. • Grantees must submit monthly reimbursement requests, quarterly interim reports, and a final report; all activities must be completed by June 30 2027.