Education and Training
Education and training are key factors in moving low-income workers into jobs that pay higher wages.
While New Jerseyans fare better than their counterparts in other states regarding access to need-based financial aid for higher education, barriers exist for low-income working adult students. This policy brief identifies challenges in accessing financial aid – from availability and restrictions to application requirements – and what can be done to more effectively meet the needs of low-income working families.
With more than two-thirds of New Jersey’s projected job growth in occupations that require some higher education, access to education and training is critical for low-income working adults and employers. Improved access to need-based financial aid will require a paradigm shift by policymakers and others to meet workforce needs.