Nearly 400 participants complete career training in construction, healthcare, and digital literacy, preparing for new employment opportunities.

September 29, 2026

The New Jersey Reentry Corporation (NJRC) celebrated approximately 400 graduates of its 2026 Summer Training Institute during a graduation ceremony at the Governor’s Reentry Training & Employment Center in Kearny, marking another milestone in the organization’s commitment to workforce development and successful reentry.

As reported by HudPost, the Summer Training Institute was sponsored in partnership with the New Jersey Council of County Colleges (NJCCC) and Hudson County Community College (HCCC). The program provides court-involved individuals and returning citizens with access to practical training, industry-recognized credentials, and pathways to meaningful employment.

Participants completed training across three primary pathways: construction and trades, healthcare, and digital literacy. Programs included OSHA safety, forklift and scissor lift operation, solar panel installation, welding, phlebotomy, CPR certification, peer recovery specialist training, and Microsoft basics.

According to the report, the 2026 training cohorts achieved a 98% completion rate and a 72% employment rate, reflecting the program’s focus on helping participants develop marketable skills and prepare for careers in high-demand industries.

The graduation ceremony recognized the accomplishments of participants whose dedication and perseverance demonstrate the opportunities created through education and workforce preparation. Four graduates addressed the audience, sharing their experiences in phlebotomy, welding, peer recovery specialist training, and reentry. Among them was Calvin Bass, who served 38 years in state prison and now works as an outreach coordinator at NJRC’s Essex County facility.

Kearny Mayor Carol Jean Doyle congratulated the graduates on their accomplishments, emphasizing the importance of developing skills that lead to meaningful careers in construction, healthcare, technology, and other industries. Hudson County Community College President Lisa Dougherty also encouraged graduates to continue pursuing their goals and building on their achievements.

Since opening in 2021, the Governor’s Reentry Training & Employment Center has enrolled more than 3,100 participants and awarded over 10,000 industry-recognized certifications, according to the report.

Through its partnership with HCCC and NJCCC, NJRC continues to expand access to career training and employment opportunities for individuals working to rebuild their lives and contribute to their communities.

The 2026 Summer Training Institute reflects NJRC’s ongoing mission to remove barriers to employment, strengthen workforce readiness, and help individuals build stable, productive futures through education, professional development, and second chances.

Source
James de los Santos, HudPost
“Reentry Program in Kearny Graduates 400”
Published September 29, 2026.

Read the full article on HudPost