County of Union, New Jersey

Free Real Estate Licensing Program Creates Career Opportunities for Young Adults

Union County is partnering with community leaders and workforce development advocates to help connect young adults with a free opportunity to pursue careers in real estate through a new licensing program, designed to remove financial barriers and create pathways to professional success.

The initiative, led by The BLOC Foundation Founder Natasha Davis and Exodus Real Estate Academy Owner Samantha Lamptey, will provide eligible participants with free real estate pre-licensing education. The five-week virtual program is designed for young adults ages 18 to 21, including recent high school graduates, GED recipients, and college students interested in pursuing a career in real estate.

“This program is about creating access and opening doors,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Joseph C. Bodek. “For many young people, the cost of professional training can be a significant obstacle. By connecting students with free educational opportunities and clear career pathways, we are helping them build skills, pursue meaningful careers, and invest in their future. Union County is proud to support initiatives that empower residents, strengthen our workforce, and create opportunities for the next generation.”

Participants must complete 75 hours of coursework to qualify for the New Jersey real estate licensing exam. While students are responsible for the state examination fee, the program covers the cost of the required coursework and training.

Classes will run from July 7 for five weeks and will be held virtually on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Registration is open through June 26. The program is open to eligible participants throughout New Jersey and aims to provide young adults with valuable professional skills and an opportunity to earn a state-recognized credential.

“As someone who teaches students in the trades every day, I’ve seen firsthand how access to opportunity can change the trajectory of a life,” said Natasha Davis, Founder of the BLOC Foundation. “Sponsoring 300 young adults to become licensed real estate agents is about more than a career; it’s creating pathways to entrepreneurship, wealth-building, and economic mobility. When we invest in our young people, we invest in stronger families, stronger communities, and a brighter future for all.”

“Exodus Real Estate Academy is committed to empowering and educating underserved and underprivileged individuals about real estate as a pathway to homeownership, entrepreneurship, career growth, and generational wealth,” said Samantha Lamptey, Founder of Exodus Real Estate Academy. “We believe that education and examples create opportunity and strengthen communities.”

To introduce the opportunity to prospective students and their families, an informational session will be held on June 22 at 6:00 p.m., in the Kean University STEM Building Auditorium, located at 1075 Morris Avenue in Union Township. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about the program, licensing requirements, and career opportunities within the real estate industry.

“As a former Board of Education Commissioner, I met countless students who were talented, motivated, and ready to succeed but unsure of what came next after graduation,” said Union County Commissioner Stanley J. Neron. “Not every young person follows a traditional path, and opportunities like this can make all the difference. Natasha Davis and The BLOC Foundation recognized that need and created a program that removes barriers and provides a clear pathway into a professional field. I am proud to help support this initiative because every young person deserves the chance to pursue a meaningful career, build financial independence, and realize their full potential.”

The BLOC Foundation works to revitalize urban communities through affordable housing development, workforce training, and economic mobility programs, creating pathways for women, minorities, young adults, and underserved populations to build long-term stability and success. Founder Natasha Davis is a Licensed General Contractor who has devoted her time to creating a 100 percent, minority-owned real estate construction and investment firm—and through her work, has made homeownership and real estate investment opportunities accessible to historically marginalized and under-resourced individuals.

Exodus Real Estate Academy is dedicated to thoroughly preparing each student for success in the New Jersey real estate license examination through interactive discussion and exposure to real-world scenarios, emphasizing practical learning and aiming to prepare future referral agents, salespersons and brokers to face the challenges of the real estate industry. Samantha Lamptey is the Founder of Exodus Real Estate and Exodus Real Estate Academy, and Co-Founder of Exodus Development, Exodus Construction and Exodus Architectural Woodwork, all based in Short Hills, NJ. Driven by a passion for design, innovation, and community impact, she built the Exodus family of companies with her husband, Selassie Lamptey, to create opportunities through real estate, architecture, construction, development and architectural woodwork. 

To register for the program, visit https://bit.ly/ucnjrealestateclass today. For additional information, please email Natasha Davis at natasha@theblocfoundation.org.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce that a new collection of artworks, created by students from Inroads to Opportunities, is now on display at the Commissioners Gallery, located on the 6th floor of the Union County Administration Building, 10 Elizabethtown Plaza in Elizabeth. Visitors can see the exhibit for free during gallery hours, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The exhibit will be on display through July 31, 2026.

“Inroads to Opportunities students have done an amazing job in putting together for us a colorful and imaginative collection that art enthusiasts and visitors alike are sure to enjoy. Art knows no bounds or limitations, especially in our uniquely diverse county, and we are proud to showcase that through the lens of these talented artists,” Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “I encourage everyone to take the opportunity and visit the exhibit.”

This art program is made possible by a HEART Grant (History, Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) from the Union County Board of County Commissioners. HEART grants serve as a way to strengthen Union County’s non-profit organizations, artists and scholars so they can provide innovative projects related to the arts, humanities, and history.

“Through the HEART grant, we are proud to continue supporting organizations like Inroads to Opportunities in developing quality programming that enables residents of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to reach their greatest potential and enjoy a fulfilling life – one with strong community roots and with access to creative outlets that allow them to build confidence, discover new talents, and make their mark in the history we are shaping together,” said Commissioner Rebecca L.Williams, Liaison to the Cultural and Heritage Advisory Board.

Inroads to Opportunities, a not-for-profit organization, provides an environment where individuals with disabilities can develop and become productive and employable. Making works of art provides a therapeutic and creative outlet for the participants. The artists share their inner talents using a wide range of media, such as acrylic, watercolor, crayon, pastel, pen, and pencil. The center started this art program in 2003 and continues to achieve great success.

The Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, part of the Department of Parks and Recreation, coordinates the exhibits displayed at the Commissioners Gallery. For further information about this and other programs and services related to the arts and history in Union County, please contact the Office by telephone at 908-558-2550 (NJ relay users dial 711), email at culturalinfo@ucnj.org, or in person at 633 Pearl Street in Elizabeth.

The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County’s 4-H Master Tree Stewards recently celebrated a successful season of environmental education, reaching more than 2,750 fourth-grade students across Union County during the winter and spring of 2026.

The Master Tree Steward program is made up of dedicated volunteers who receive specialized training through Rutgers Cooperative Extension and then bring their knowledge directly into local classrooms. Throughout the school year, Tree Stewards presented engaging, one-hour lessons designed to teach students about the importance of trees, environmental stewardship, and the role trees play in maintaining healthy communities.

“The commitment of our Master Tree Stewards helps inspire the next generation to appreciate and care for the environment around them,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph Bodek. “By bringing these lessons into classrooms throughout Union County, our volunteers are helping students develop a deeper understanding of the natural world and the importance of protecting it.”

The program provides fourth-grade students with hands-on learning opportunities that connect classroom education with real-world environmental issues, encouraging curiosity and fostering a greater appreciation for local natural resources.

Individuals interested in becoming a Master Tree Steward are encouraged to apply for the next training program, which begins in September. Volunteers receive comprehensive training and have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by educating young people throughout Union County.

For more information about the Master Tree Steward Program or volunteer opportunities, contact 4-H Agent James Nichnadowicz at jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org.

Union County has filed a civil lawsuit against Morais Automotive, LLC, 2735 Route 22 Property Associates, LLC, and 2685 Route 22Property Associates, LLC, entities associated with Open Road Subaru in Union, seeking damages and restoration of County-owned parkland at Smithfield Park in Union Township. The complaint alleges the unauthorized clearing of approximately 1.5 acres of protected public land.

The complaint alleges that approximately 300 mature trees were removed from County-owned parkland without authorization, permits, or required approvals and that encroachments were placed on County-owned property.

The County further alleges that the clearing occurred on parkland protected under New Jersey’s Green Acres program, which provides additional safeguards for public open space and natural resources.

“Public parkland belongs to the people of Union County. According to the allegations in this lawsuit, approximately 300 mature trees were removed from County-owned property, resulting in significant damage to protected public land,” said Union County Manager Ed Oatman.

“The loss extends beyond the trees themselves. The destruction of vegetation and mature tree canopy affects wildlife habitat, including areas used by migratory birds, deer, and other species, and diminishes the ecological value of the park.”

“The County cannot simply look the other way when public property is damaged on this scale, particularly when the allegations involve the removal of hundreds of mature trees from protected parkland. According to the complaint, these actions resulted in the loss of natural resources that took decades to grow and that residents have enjoyed for generations.”

“We have a responsibility to protect taxpayer-owned land, preserve our parks and natural resources, and ensure that those who damage public property are held accountable. Whether the property involved is one acre or one hundred acres, the rules apply equally to everyone.”

“This lawsuit seeks to hold the responsible parties accountable, restore the affected parkland, and protect the interests of Union County residents. Our parks are public assets, and we will continue to take all appropriate action to safeguard them for future generations.”

The lawsuit seeks compensatory damages, removal of encroachments, restoration of the affected parkland, replanting of trees, and other relief as determined by the court.

The County filed the lawsuit in Superior Court and will continue to pursue all available legal remedies to restore the affected parkland and protect public property.

Because the matter is now pending litigation, the County will not comment further on specific legal issues raised in the complaint.

The Union County Housing Choice Voucher Program opened the waiting list on June 1 at 9AM.  The public notice stated that 500 applications would be accepted. When 500 applications were received at 9:08AM, the portal stopped allowing access to the application. Persons with applications in process at that time were allowed to complete their application and were added to the list which is now much larger than originally anticipated. 

Please note: submitted applications cannot be changed. If your current mailing address changes, you should notify the program administrator Development Directions, LLC in writing, at 1600 St. Georges Ave, Rahway, NJ 07065.

The waiting list is accessed as vouchers become available. There is no way to determine how long it will take to work through the waiting list. You may be contacted within several months or it could take several years.