New Jersey City University (NJCU) has officially partnered with The BLOC Foundation to launch a groundbreaking workforce development initiative that turns underutilized campus facilities into a launchpad for underrepresented women in the construction trades.
The agreement, finalized in late 2025, converts the former Jewelry Making Workshop in NJCU’s Visual Arts Building into a high-tech training center. The program aims to bridge the gap between manual labor skills and academic credentials, providing a seamless transition from the construction site to the classroom.
The BLOC Foundation (Black Ladies of Construction) will deliver a 16-week comprehensive curriculum designed to empower women—including those formerly incarcerated—veterans, and high school dropouts.
Key details of the program include:
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Capacity: 25–30 participants per cohort, with an annual goal of 150–200 certified students.
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Credentials: Participants earn industry certifications and are directly recruited into NJCU’s degree and certificate programs.
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Support: To ensure completion, BLOC provides “wraparound” services, including stipends, childcare assistance, and job placement help.
In a “mission-driven” move, NJCU is providing the space at no cost. Students in the program will receive university ID cards, granting them access to computer labs, classroom space for online coursework, and campus auditoriums for guest speakers.
“At NJCU, we have always believed that opportunity must meet people where they are,” said NJCU President Andrés Acebo. “Opening doors for women who have long been underrepresented in the trades creates a clear pathway from workforce training to higher education.”
The partnership arrives at a pivotal time for the institution. As NJCU prepares for its scheduled merger with Kean University in the summer of 2026 to become Kean Jersey City, the agreement includes specific provisions to ensure the construction training program continues and expands under the new university system.
Natasha Davis, Co-Founder and CEO of The BLOC Foundation, noted the partnership’s potential as a national blueprint. “This collaboration strengthens our outcomes by aligning training with academic rigor and workforce demand,” Davis said. “It serves as a replicable model for how universities and community-based providers can build equitable workforce pipelines.”
