Division: Field Support and Services

Office: Recruitment, Preparation and Certification

View Published NGO Document (Microsoft Word)

The purpose of the Paraprofessional Program NGO is to reduce barriers for diverse candidates seeking to pursue a career in teaching and address statewide teacher shortages. Through this limited-competitive grant program, grantees will be able to provide tuition assistance and educational support for education support professionals (ESPs), seeking a teaching certificate in one of the critical teacher shortage areas identified by the Governor's Task Force (i.e. special education, science, math, career and technical education (CTE), and English as a second language or bilingual education).

1. Increase the number of minority teacher candidates hired into teaching positions; and
2. Identify effective strategies, resources and best practice that can be implemented by school districts, educator preparation programs, and/or other organizations to increase the placement, support and retention of minority teachers.

The New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) has established a twelve-month year grant program. This grant program is open to LEAs and Charter School organizations with at least 200 Education Service Professionals (ESPs) who seek to become teachers. Please refer to Appendix A of NGO for list of eligible entities.

Applicants may apply for up to $250,000. Up to 4 awards will be made.

Based on the availability of FY24 state appropriations, this grant program will begin June 1, 2024 and end on May 31, 2025.

Start Date: 6/1/2024 Anticipated # Awards: 4

Eligible Agencies: LEAs and Charter Schools

Grant Type: Competitive

Number of Award(s) Anticipated: 4

Application Due Date: 4/30/2024

Total Amt. Available: $1,000,000