New Jersey Career Accelerator Offers Nearly 580 Paid Internships

$2.4 Million Awarded to 133 New Jersey-Based Employers for Summer 2024 Cohort

NEW JERSEY – July 25, 2024: The Murphy Administration has announced that 133 New Jersey-based employers have received grants through the Career Accelerator Internship Grant Program ("Career Accelerator") to provide 574 paid summer internships to New Jersey college students. These internships are open to students who currently attend or graduated from an in-state college or university in the last 12 months or are New Jersey residents attending college out-of-state.

Funded by $2.4 million from the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, the program offers interns $20 per hour for a commitment of 150-200 hours over a 10-week summer period. This marks the third year the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE) has administered the program, with a 23 percent increase in internship opportunities compared to last year.

“Infusing our state businesses with local talent from our esteemed colleges and universities not only supports New Jersey’s innovation economy but also builds a stronger and more prosperous state,” said Governor Murphy. “By investing in paid internships, we are ensuring that New Jersey’s diverse talent pool has strong incentives to develop their skills and professional networks with Garden State employers of all sizes while also getting the pay they deserve and need to thrive.”

Participating employers are required to provide a structured learning experience with designated supervisors offering feedback aligned with learning objectives and goals. This year, interns also receive six months of free access to LinkedIn Learning.

Research from the National Association of Colleges and Employers underscores the value of experiential learning in career success and highlights that paid internships enhance equity and access to opportunities for all students. Employers participating this summer come from a wide range of industries, including STEM, construction, energy, finance, technology, media, hospitality, retail trade, and non-profit sectors.

“The Office of the Secretary of Higher Education aims to accelerate upward mobility for all students through equitable pathways to postsecondary and career success,” said Secretary of Higher Education Brian K. Bridges. “Through the Career Accelerator we are making sure students gain meaningful experiential learning aligned with their academic pursuits and are removing financial barriers to participation for students typically underrepresented in hands-on, paid internships—often women, students of color, and those first in their family to go to college. Leveling the playing field in this way generates more opportunity for all students and strengthens their college payoff.”

“Paid internships are crucial for developing a strong workforce and supporting New Jersey businesses across a range of industries,” said Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo. “By addressing the skills gap and ensuring that students are well-prepared for the workforce, we are investing to establish stronger local talent pipelines that ultimately support the economic health and continued development of our state. Together with our partners in OSHE, we are committed to fostering a robust and dynamic workforce ready to meet the demands of our evolving economy.”

For more information about the Career Accelerator Internship Program, visit Career Accelerator. New Jersey-based employers interested in future cycles of the program can express their interest using this form.