YouthBuild Newark
“Opportunity youth” is a term used to refer to young people ages 16-24 who are not in school and are not working. In 2022 and 2023, HFNJ provided YouthBuild Newark grants of $160,000 and $175,000 to develop an innovative program that prepares these young people disconnected from education and the job market to develop careers in the healthcare field.
The grants support the Allied Health career track at LEAD Charter School, which trains students to receive credentials in various health fields in concert with District 1199J, a local healthcare union. At a time of significant changes in the workforce in which many organizations lack qualified healthcare staff, this grant will help support the critical needs of understaffed institutions in the community.
In total, 44 YouthBuild students were on the Allied Health track by mid-2023. Each student who completes the track will receive their high school diploma, post-secondary certification, and individual career counseling/assistance applying for jobs. 75% of the students (33/44) have remained on pace toward a certification. 14 are enrolled in programs with District 1199J. 13 students are on the track to receive CNA or CMA credentials, and 80% of those students are on pace to complete their training.
To learn more about the program and the difference it is making, read this interview on our website with Jasmine Joseph-Forman of Newark Opportunity Youth Network.