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Youth Inclusion Initiative

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is pleased to announce the YII 2026 grant to seek applicants for the award-winning youth program to support building a diverse and inclusive green workforce. This summer will mark the sixth year that the NJDEP offers this program, which continues to impact many youths across the state. The program provides a paid summer experience where participants can learn hands-on skills in the environmental field.

• Apply for the Grant
• Youth Inclusion Initiative (YII) Grant Application 2026 
• Download the Attachment I Eligible Municipalities 
• Press Release
• Learn more about the Grant 

Respondents are invited to submit applications through the SAGE system using the link above. Applications are due March 12, 2026. 

Application Q&A: The written questions period has closed, and all questions received by the deadline of February 5, 2026, are answered in this document.(LINK)

Application Webinar: DEP held an informational webinar on February 12, 2026, at 3 p.m. You can download the presentation from the webinar by clicking here, and view the webinar recording by clicking here.

If you have any questions about the grant, you can contact YouthInclusion@deptest.nj.gov.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row]