Trenton, NJ – The New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) today announced that nearly $3 million in New Jersey’s County Vocational School District Partnership grants will be distributed among seven school districts.

The County Vocational School District Partnership Grant Program is state-funded and supports county vocational-technical school districts that partner with business and industry, comprehensive K-12 school districts, and postsecondary institutions to expand high school students’ access and participation in career and technical education (CTE) programs. Grantees must implement the CTE program over three consecutive school years beginning in 2018-19.

Governor Murphy has called for a renewed focus on workforce development, vocational training, and apprenticeship programs so workers will have the skills they need to meet the demands of 21st century employers. It is estimated that 33,000 high school students and more than 6,000 adult students attend New Jersey’s 21 county vocational-technical school districts.

“These grant awards demonstrate our commitment to offering multiple career pathways to high school students,” said Acting Commissioner of Education Dr. Lamont O. Repollet. “One of our priorities is to increase access to CTE and this grant program provides students with opportunities to obtain an apprenticeship, industry-valued credentials, or dual credit from a postsecondary institution.”

The Notice of Grant Opportunity provides additional information on the NJDOE County Vocational Partnership Grants.

The selected districts include: