NJ S1478

Establishes the "New Jersey YouthBuild Act" directing the Department of Labor and Workforce Development to create a grant program for YouthBuild pre-apprenticeship programs serving economically disadvantaged youth ages 16-24 who lack a high school diploma

Requires funded programs to split participant time evenly between classroom instruction (basic skills, secondary education, leadership development) and hands-on construction/rehabilitation training at job sites, culminating in an industry-recognized credential

Mandates programs provide stipends to participants, counseling services, job placement assistance, and 12 months of post-graduation follow-up support, with participation lasting 6-24 months

Limits grant eligibility to nonprofit agencies affiliated with YouthBuild USA or those that have received federal HUD YouthBuild funding, with priority given to organizations with prior YouthBuild experience

Appropriates unspecified federal funds from CARES Act, American Rescue Plan Act, and other federal sources, and requires the department to submit annual evaluation reports to the Governor and Legislature beginning July 1, 2024