APPLICATIONS CLOSED FOR 2026 SUMMER YOUTH WORK EXPERIENCE PROGRAM IN HUNTERDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES

Dozens of employers and hundreds of young people in Hunterdon and Somerset counties have applied to take part in the 2026 Summer Youth Work Experience Program sponsored by the Greater Raritan Workforce Development Board (GRWDB).

This is the seventh consecutive year that the GRWDB is sponsoring the summer youth program with funding from the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL). It is one of 10 NJDOL-funded programs around the state. The Greater Raritan SYWEP has served 321 youth in providing work experience with 145 employers since its inception. This includes 94 youth and 33 employers in 2025.

Because the NJDOL reduced funding statewide for this year’s program, the GRWDB received a state grant of $169,061.00 to support up to 45 paid work experiences. In addition, the GRWDB is reallocating some of its other state youth funding to support up to another 10 to 15 positions, dependent on youth eligibility requirements associated with this funding.

For this year’s program, youth participants can work any 200-hour period between May 19 to October 16. Participants must be between the ages of 16 and 24 and can be in school or out of school. GRWDB staff are currently reviewing more than 200 youth participant applications received by the May 4 deadline. Those accepted into the program will work 180 hours with the employer and complete another 20 hours of online and in-person career-readiness training and peer coaching sessions directed by the GRWDB. The youth participant’s tax-free stipend will be $17.00 an hour, for a total of $3,400.00, if all 200 hours are completed.

Any private or public employer of any size in Hunterdon and Somerset counties with available part-time positions were invited to apply to be an employer participant. By the May 5 deadline, the GRWDB received 28 employer applications from a range of private businesses as well as municipal and county government agencies.

“While we are disappointed that the program’s funding was reduced, we know that those who participate will continue to benefit from the experience,” said Jeanne Cassano, the GRWDB’s contract compliance and engagement specialist and coordinator for the summer youth program. “Last year, three participants stayed on with their employers, which puts the GRWDB’s mission of connecting job seekers and businesses into action.”

Cassano and program staff are now working to match eligible youth applicants with the available positions. Employers and youth also will talk prior to the matches being finalized, with the goal of youth participants beginning their work experiences throughout June.

“Because of the reduced funding, competition is tighter this year for employer and youth applicants, but the team is working with all stakeholders to have another successful year,” GRWDB Director Paul Grzella said.

Anyone with questions can contact Cassano at jcassano@somersetcountynj.gov or call 908-541-5785.

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About the Greater Raritan Workforce Development Board
The GRWDB oversees federally and state-funded career and employment services for businesses and residents in Hunterdon and Somerset counties. More information about these programs can be found on thegrwdb.org, including stories on initiatives, a resource tab for job seekers, and an updated calendar of events. Weekly text alerts highlight career and job opportunities in Somerset and Hunterdon counties. Text “one-stop” to 908-460-8144 to sign up.