The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is seeking to partner with up to five community-based organizations for the fourth year of its successful Youth Inclusion Initiative to help young people in overburdened communities get involved in environmental protection and support a more diverse workforce, Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette announced today.

Up to $100,000 is available to applicants who partner with the DEP to provide outreach, recruitment, supervisory support, professional job training, community building and exposure to post-program employment opportunities for youth from overburdened communities.  

“DEP’s award-winning Youth Inclusion Initiative offers a transformational six-week experience for youth from communities with limited open space to learn the necessary skills that will launch their journey toward becoming future champions for the environment,” said Commissioner LaTourette. “The solicitation announced today invites community-based organizations to partner with DEP to support these young people to become part of a community dedicated to protecting public health and the environment we share.”

The six-week summer program lets participants, ages 16 to 20, gain hands-on experience to develop skills in areas such as water monitoring, wildfire response, conservation investigation and forest management. The youth will also learn about career opportunities in environmental protection, conservation and stewardship. The program will run from July 8 to August 16 and participants will receive a stipend for attending.

Organizations interested in partnering with the DEP this year will be evaluated on their plan to support the youth during the program and their ability to highlight career opportunities through the identification of pathways such as additional education, credentials or other steps in line with the youths’ interests. 

Interested organizations can find the DEP’s request for proposal document by visiting dep.nj.gov/yii/rfp/.

Interested organizations can send their questions about the program to Priya.Ratanpara@dep.nj.gov through Feb. 19. The answers to any questions received by DEP about the 2024 Youth Inclusion Initiative request for proposal document will be posted at dep.nj.gov/yii/rfp/.

Proposals are due by 5 p.m. on March 21.