NJ Career Connections is a free state workforce portal offering career assessments, education planning tools, training program directories, and scholarship searches for NJ residents. Available online 24/7 at mycareer.nj.gov. Call 609-292-6800 Monday through Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm. Residents can explore career pathways, identify training programs, and link directly to One-Stop career center services. Useful for anyone considering a career change, returning to school, or seeking workforce credentials.
Education resources for fathers include financial aid, adult education, workforce training, and college programs with on-site childcare. FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the gateway to Pell Grants, Direct Loans, and state aid. Pell Grants provide up to approximately $7,000 per year to low-income students and don't require repayment. GED and HiSET programs operate in every state through adult education providers, often free. Community colleges offer lower-cost two-year degrees and certificate programs in high-demand trades. The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funds training for eligible adults and dislocated workers. For fathers returning to school, on-campus childcare (often subsidized through the CCAMPIS grant), emergency aid funds, and single-parent scholarships make enrollment feasible. This directory covers state FAFSA offices, community colleges, adult education programs, and single-dad scholarships.
College & Education in New Jersey
New Jersey Superior Court Family Part handles family law in each of its 15 vicinages. The Office of Child Support Services operates under DHS. Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, Elizabeth, and Trenton are the largest cities. Legal Services of New Jersey coordinates six regional LSC-funded programs covering all 21 counties.
NJ Tuition Aid Grant (TAG) — New Jersey's largest state grant program providing need-based financial aid to eligible NJ students attending in-state colleges and universi
Federal Student Aid / FAFSA — Completing the free FAFSA at studentaid.gov unlocks Pell Grants, federal student loans, work-study, and NJ state aid for NJ students. Call 1
Federal Pell Grant Program — The Federal Pell Grant is the largest federal grant program for undergraduate students with financial need, with maximum awards up to $7,395
NJ Community College Opportunity Grant — Free community college program covering tuition and fees for eligible NJ residents with adjusted gross income up to $65,000 at any of NJ's 1
Essex County College (Newark) — Essex County College in Newark offers affordable associate degrees, certificates, and workforce training with flexible day, evening, and wee
College & Education — Common Questions
What do I do first if I want to go back to school?
Fill out the FAFSA at studentaid.gov. It's free and takes about 30 minutes. Results determine eligibility for Pell Grants (up to ~$7,000/year), Direct Loans, and state grants. Apply even if you think you won't qualify — results often surprise.
Is there childcare on college campuses?
Many community colleges and some universities operate on-campus childcare, often subsidized through the CCAMPIS federal grant for low-income student parents. Financial aid can sometimes cover childcare as a cost of attendance.
Can I get a GED online?
Yes. The official GED test is offered online (with in-home proctoring) and at testing centers. HiSET (used in some states instead of GED) is similar. Free prep through state adult education providers and through Khan Academy's free GED prep.
What is WIOA training?
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funds short-term training for eligible adults, often up to
0,000 or more for in-demand occupations. Apply through your local American Job Center. Programs cover CDL, welding, nursing, IT, HVAC, and many others.