Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce the launch of “Youth Forward,” a new service that connects Union County residents ages 14-24 with job placements, internships, tutoring, GED services, career and college counseling, and training and certification courses.
“Youth Forward is tailored to the 14-24 age group in recognition of the unique needs, circumstances, and opportunities for young people to find their footing in the economic life of Union County,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.
Youth Forward is a job readiness, employment, and youth empowerment program that focuses on paid and unpaid work experiences, comprehensive guidance and counseling and tutoring among other elements, with the goal of enabling Union County youth to develop work-ready skills and compete in today’s employment environment.
This first-of-its-kind program in Union County draws on the resources, networks, and experiences of the County’s existing American Job Center employment services program and the Division of Youth Services, both housed in the Department of Human Services.
During the COVID-19 outbreak, the American Job Center has developed new online resources to assist job seekers and employers while limiting in-person contact. The Youth Forward service follows the creation of the new Union County Works online portal last summer.
Youth Forward is funded by a grant under the federal Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act, administered by the Union County Workforce Development Board through the American Job Center.
Union County residents ages 14-24 can connect with Youth Forward by calling 908-558-2520 or by emailing info.youthforward@ucnj.org, or by filling out the online contact form at ucnj.org/human-services.
For more information, visit online at ucnj.org/youth-forward.
For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 and updates on statewide vaccine planning are available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.
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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.
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