The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board has approved the launch of Phase 2 of the New Jersey Green Workforce Training Grant Challenge, a $4 million program aimed at preparing state residents for jobs in the green economy. This initiative places particular emphasis on serving overburdened communities across New Jersey.
Mary Maples, NJEDA Acting Chief Executive Officer, stated, “The Green Workforce Training Grant Challenge is helping expand access to critical workforce development initiatives, ensuring New Jersey residents, particularly those in overburdened communities, are at the forefront for careers in the growing green economy.”
The grant challenge invites applicants to submit proposals that detail plans for developing and implementing workforce programs focused on strengthening the green economy. Grants between $500,000 and $800,000 will be awarded and may fund planning efforts, outreach activities, construction needs, and training program implementation in industries such as solar energy and electric vehicles.
This second phase builds upon the foundation set by Phase 1 of the program. Approved by the NJEDA Board in April 2024 under the guidance of the New Jersey Council on the Green Economy’s BRIDGE initiative (Building our Resilient, Inclusive, and Diverse Green Economy), four organizations previously received a total of $4.3 million to support training in various green sectors.
Phase 2 funding comes from a Memorandum of Understanding between NJEDA and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP). Eligible applicants include community-based organizations, labor unions, technical high schools, county colleges, non-profits, regional workforce boards, private companies and more. Each application must involve at least one Community-Based Organization that serves an overburdened community either as a primary applicant or collaborator.
Applicants are required to outline how their programs will deliver industry-recognized credentials and connect participants with job opportunities within green industries. Proposals must also address outreach strategies to attract diverse candidates—especially from overburdened communities—and define clear metrics for evaluating success. The program prioritizes projects linking participants directly with near-term employment prospects in green fields.
Additional details about eligibility requirements and applications can be found at www.njeda.gov.
