HISTORY

On December 22, 2006, the Board of Trustees of the Henry H. Kessler Foundation in West Orange, NJ approved a two-year grant allocation totaling $946,000 to New Jersey Institute of Technology – the state’s science and technology university – targeted largely towards people with physical disabilities through training and special initiatives leading to employment.

The EmployME! program, a public-private partnership, was formed to prepare unemployed, underemployed and underserved populations for both entry level and advanced jobs in the field of information technology that are in demand in the state of New Jersey.

Getting the program started involved outfitting NJIT computer training rooms with state-of-art assistive technology tools and training materials to enable students with significant physical disabilities, including those who are deaf or blind. By spring 2009, 120 students will have been trained for new or upgraded jobs. At least 70 percent of the graduates are expected to obtain jobs.

Program partners include the NJ Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services, the Newark and Essex County Workforce Investment Boards and One-Stop Centers, and the NJ Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired, which provide grants that cover the full cost of tuition for all qualified individuals. An active and engaged Business Advisory Council comprised of potential employers and national leaders in assistive technologies working with the NJIT Division of Career Development Services offers assistance with career and job placement and mentoring throughout the period of training. The Heldrich Center of Rutgers University provides the EmployME! program staff with suggestions for continuous improvement.

Since its creation the EmployME! program has quickly become a recognized leader in the arena of disabled training and job preparation. Companies throughout the state are stepping forward and are tapping in to this underutilized workforce. Together they are helping disabled men and women create a better life in their communities and prepare them to work in New Jersey businesses.

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