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The basics:

• NJCU, BLOC Foundation convert campus space into workforce training hub for underrepresented women, marginalized groups
• 16-week program provides hands-on construction training, industry certifications, access to NJCU degree programs
• Each cohort will serve 25–30 participants, targeting an annual goal of 150–200 certifications
• Partnership offers wraparound support including child care, stipends, job placement 

New Jersey City University is partnering with Elizabeth-based The BLOC Foundation to turn underused campus space into a workforce training hub. The collaboration will provide underrepresented women and marginalized groups a path from construction skills to college credentials.

Under the agreement, BLOC will use space in NJCU’s Visual Arts Building at no cost. It will deliver its 16-week construction training program from the campus. The course will provide participants with hands-on training and industry-recognized certifications.

Additionally, it includes a seamless pathway into NJCU’s continuing education and degree programs. Each cohort will include 25–30 participants. The partners aim to certify 150–200 students annually.

The collaboration repurposes a former arts facility into a workforce development hub.

NJCU provides classrooms, computer lab access, secured storage and event space. Meanwhile, BLOC supplies all tools, materials and personal protective equipment.

Opening doors for women

NJBIZ recognized The BLOC Foundation as an In the Lead: Women-Owned Business in 2025. It serves women, including incarcerated and formerly incarcerated; veterans; young adults of color; high school dropouts and other underrepresented groups.

BLOC’s programs combine classroom instruction with nationally recognized certifications. The organization also provides wraparound support, including stipends, child care assistance and job placement services. Beyond workforce training, the organization also revitalizes blighted urban communities through affordable housing and redevelopment initiatives that promote sustainable, inclusive economic growth.

Leaders from both organizations emphasized the new collaboration creates a clear bridge from skills training to higher education. They said it could serve as a national model to build equitable workforce pipelines.

“At NJCU, we have always believed that opportunity must meet people where they are — rooted in the communities we are privileged to serve,” said NJCU President Andrés Acebo. “Our partnership with The BLOC Foundation is a powerful expression of that belief, opening doors for women who have long been underrepresented in the trades and creating a clear pathway from workforce training to higher education.

“This is exactly the kind of collaboration that makes our campus, and our community, stronger.”

Setting an example

“Our partnership with NJCU creates a powerful pathway … allowing participants to transition from hands-on skill development into college-level credentials and degree programs,” said Natasha Davis, co-founder and CEO of The BLOC Foundation. “This collaboration strengthens our outcomes by expanding access to continuing education, increasing credential attainment, and aligning training with academic rigor and workforce demand.

“Most importantly, it serves as a replicable model for how universities and community-based training providers can work together to build equitable, sustainable workforce pipelines.”

Most importantly, [BLOC’s partnership with NJCU] serves as a replicable model for how universities and community-based training providers can work together to build equitable, sustainable workforce pipelines.
– Natasha Davis, co-founder and CEO, The BLOC Foundation

“By opening our doors to The BLOC Foundation, we are filling a gap in opportunity in our community,” said Wanda Rutledge, interim dean of graduate studies, and adult and continuing education. “Our goal is for every participant who completes BLOC’s training to see our campus as the next step in their journey, whether that means pursuing a certificate, an associate degree, or beyond.”

The November 2025 agreement takes effect with the Fall 2025 cohort. It runs for one year, designed for renewal and growth.

The program includes provisions to continue after NJCU merges with Kean University to form Kean Jersey City. That combination is expected to be finalized in summer 2026.