The purpose of this grant program is to provide Paid Summer Internships beginning in June and concluding no later than August 31st under the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services matrix of Pre-Employment Transition Services. The program will enable students 14 to 21 years of age to experience work at an integrated community-based employer for five weeks during the summer. The paid internships will be at least 15 to 20 hours per week and pay the minimum wage or above. https://www.nj.gov/labor/forms_pdfs/wagehour/minimumwage_postcard.pdf.
Grant funds can be used to support two skills trainers; one full-time and one part-time to provide internship site development and placement. In addition to hiring skills trainers, funds can be used to pay the wages of the students during the paid Internship. Students are paid by the provider and issued a payroll check at least every two weeks. Skills Trainers are experienced employment and training instructors who provide specific training in the five core Pre-ETS service areas. The Skills Trainer assists in preparing consumers with the basic employment skills needed to prepare for and enter into competitive, integrated employment within their skills, abilities, needs and interests. Skills Trainers do not provide one to one supports while a student is engaged in Pre-Employment Transition Services.
Non-Allowable Expenses:
Eligible applicants must be organizations with the capacity to serve people with disabilities. Applicants can be private or public non-profit organizations, Independent Living Centers (ILC), Faith-Based Organizations (FBO) and Community Rehabilitation Programs (CRP).
Applications are to be submitted by February 14, 2020. A similar deadline is anticipated annually.
Approximately $3,000,000 is available in total funding for 2020. Maximum award is $150,000 per contract. The contract period is expected to be for a 6-month period and is estimated to begin on or before April 1, 2020.