Former professional basketball player and Newark native Shaquille O’Neal was back in town Tuesday to announce the creation of IMPACT Newark, a program designed to help minorities, women and veterans secure union construction jobs for projects in the city.The hope is that program participants will begin to work on Boraie Development’s $65 million One Rector Street project, which O’Neal is backing.

The project calls for a 23-story, 169-unit residential tower featuring ground-floor retail space that officials say will be Newark’s first high-rise in over a half-century.

“I was born and raised in Newark,” O’Neal said Tuesday at news conference at City Hall. “In some ways, I never left Newark. This project is a symbol of my love of the city that shaped who I am today.”

Goldman Sachs is the project’s primary lender.

The IMPACT program began in Jersey City last year, catching the eye of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka.

“The greatest challenge we face in transforming Newark into a city we can all believe in is providing all of our residents with jobs and career opportunities, particularly minorities, women and veterans who have served our country,” said Baraka. “One Rector Street project and our IMPACT Newark program will break ground, both literally and figuratively. We will transform the lives of Newark residents, empowering them with skills that enable them to gain financial independence and a share in the American dream.”

In order to qualify for the program, participants must have a valid driver’s license and pass drug and aptitude tests.

“Project IMPACT is a unifying force for the community, one that brings civic and community leaders together with the local unions to prepare city residents for good paying jobs that can improve their quality of life,” added Deputy Mayor Rahaman Muhammad.