The New Jersey Career Accelerator Internship Grant Program is significantly boosting career prospects for college students and recent graduates in the state. This summer, 133 New Jersey employers have been awarded a total of $2.4 million in grants. These funds are enabling them to offer 574 paid summer internships, providing invaluable real-world experience to the next generation of professionals.
Program Overview: Powering New Jersey’s Workforce
Administered by the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE), the Career Accelerator Internship Grant Program is strategically designed to strengthen New Jersey’s workforce pipeline. The program connects talented students with diverse industries across the state, including STEM, construction, energy, finance, technology, media, hospitality, retail, and non-profit sectors. This broad reach ensures that opportunities are available across various career paths, reflecting the diverse economy of New Jersey.
These grants are structured to provide meaningful, paid learning experiences. Interns receive $20 per hour and commit to a 10-week summer period between May and August, working between 150 and 200 hours in total. This commitment allows for substantial project involvement and skill development, going beyond typical short-term work experiences.
Benefits for Students and Recent Graduates
The Career Accelerator program is more than just a summer job; it’s a launchpad for future careers. As Kyle Sullender, NJBIA Economic Policy Research Director, points out, “Experiential learning opportunities like internships provide college students with the hands-on skills and professional contacts they need to put them on the path to successful careers.” The program directly addresses the need to retain talented college graduates in New Jersey, fostering connections between higher education institutions and local businesses.
Secretary of Higher Education Brian K. Bridges, Ph.D., highlights the program’s commitment to equity and upward mobility. The Career Accelerator actively works to remove financial barriers that often prevent students from underrepresented groups – including women, students of color, and first-generation college students – from participating in paid internships. By “leveling the playing field,” the program creates more opportunities for a wider range of students and enhances the overall value of their college education.
Expanding Opportunities and Looking to the Future
The summer of 2024 marks the third successful year of the Career Accelerator program, coordinated by OSHE. With $2.4 million in support from the state Department of Labor and Workforce Development, the program has expanded its reach, increasing the number of internship opportunities by 23% compared to last year. This growth demonstrates the state’s ongoing commitment to investing in its future workforce and providing valuable experiences for students.
For those interested in learning more about the Career Accelerator program, detailed information is available here. Employers looking to participate in the summer of 2025 internship program can submit their interest through an online form here. The New Jersey Career Accelerator Internship Grant Program is paving the way for a stronger, more skilled workforce in the state, one internship at a time.
