$3.75 million fund to increase access to apprenticeships, internships and vocational training for youth across the United States 

Livingston, NJ  (October 30, 2018) – The Citi Foundation recently announced that Jersey Cares has been awarded a $250,000 grant from their 2018 Youth Workforce Fund, a national initiative that is supporting community organizations in key cities across the United States to help them expand their programming and connect low-income youth to a range of employment opportunities.  

The Youth Workforce Fund is part of the Citi Foundation’s three year $100MM global Pathways to Progress initiative, which focuses on career readiness initiatives that provide youth job seekers the full range of services needed for long-term employment and economic success.

Through the Youth Workforce Fund, Jersey Cares will receive a grant of $250,000 to address the disconnect between workforce development training and employment opportunities  for young adults in Newark &/or Essex County, NJ.  Specifically, students will have the cross-sector experience of receiving workforce development training from major companies, and then direct application of those skills through internships at local nonprofits.    Jersey Cares will also have access to technical assistance and opportunities to share best practices with other community organizations that are a part of this initiative.

“The existing gap between having the skills necessary to succeed in the workforce and working at productive and sustaining jobs continues to prevent any financial stability for our young people and their families,” said Freeholder of Essex County, Robert Mercado.   “We are thrilled to work with Jersey Cares and the Citi Foundation to improve this serious concern.  Through the Jersey Cares’ Project Coordinator Fellowship, our young people are being equipped not just to live but to thrive.” 

Access to apprenticeships, internships and vocational training is essential to empowering youth and preparing them to compete in today’s economy. According to the Citi Foundation’s Global Youth Survey: Economic Prospects & Expectations, 78% of young people surveyed believe that internships and apprenticeships are critical for career success, however, 60% say there aren’t enough of these opportunities in their cities.

About the Citi Foundation 

The Citi Foundation works to promote economic progress and improve the lives of people in low-income communities around the world. We invest in efforts that increase financial inclusion, catalyze job opportunities for youth, and reimagine approaches to building economically vibrant cities. The Citi Foundation’s “More than Philanthropy” approach leverages the enormous expertise of Citi and its people to fulfill our mission and drive thought leadership and innovation. For more information, visit www.citifoundation.com.