As more adults pursue nondegree pathways for skill development and career advancement, and with the enactment of Workforce Pell in July 2025, which authorizes Pell Grants for training programs as short as 150 hours or eight weeks, the need for clear definitions and reliable data on noncredit education has become increasingly important. Establishing a standardized system will be key to turning these data into actionable information that helps New Jersey maximize the benefits of Workforce Pell.
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NJ
“Work Trends RU” Podcast with Margo Chaly
Listen to the latest episode of the Heldrich Center’s Work Trends RU podcast, featuring featuring Margo Chaly, Acting Secretary of the New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education, about the future of higher education in New Jersey. They discuss key challenges and opportunities facing colleges and universities, including enrollment trends, financial sustainability, workforce alignment, and student success.
Andrews, et.al assess heat and air quality in low-income housing
Standard air quality and heat monitors don’t capture the full picture, especially for vulnerable residents in low-income public housing. This study uses wearable devices and indoor sensors to reveal stark disparities in real-world exposure to extreme heat and PM2.5 pollution across different groups, with seniors and youth facing the highest risks.
NJSPL: Detecting Change in NJ Historical Water Bodies Using ArcGIS Pro
Researchers have been in the process of creating digital representations or features of historical water bodies in New Jersey to map and identify problem areas with a history of flooding and sewer overflow problems. By utilizing the NJDEP’s Land Use/Land Cover of New Jersey 2020 dataset, the researchers were able to contrast that against identified historical water bodies and examine how the size and shape of these water bodies have changed over time.
“Work Trends RU” Podcast with Steve Reynolds
Listen to the latest episode of the Heldrich Center’s Work Trends RU podcast, featuring featuring Aaron Fichtner, Ph.D., President of the New Jersey Council of County Colleges. Dr. Fichtner discusses the role New Jersey’s 18 community colleges play in expanding access to higher education, developing a skilled workforce, and meeting the evolving needs of students, employers, and local communities.
Heldrich: Aligning NJ’s AI Policy with Small Business Needs
Researchers at the Heldrich Center for Workforce Development, with funding from the New Jersey State Policy Lab, are currently engaged in a project to examine how New Jersey’s public Artificial Intelligence (AI) initiatives can better align with the evolving needs of small businesses in the state. Research Project Assistant Lily McFarland outlines early findings from the project in a new blog post.
“Work Trends RU” Podcast with Jimmy Green and Jackie Burke
Listen to the latest episode of the Heldrich Center’s Work Trends RU podcast, featuring featuring Aaron Fichtner, Ph.D., President of the New Jersey Council of County Colleges. Dr. Fichtner discusses the role New Jersey’s 18 community colleges play in expanding access to higher education, developing a skilled workforce, and meeting the evolving needs of students, employers, and local communities.
Princeton Democrats Take a Close Look at 17 Candidates Hoping to Succeed Bonnie Watson Coleman – and the Winner Is . . .
Elections and ballet reform advocate Julia Sass Rubin, associate dean of Academic Programs at the Bloustein School, Rutgers University, noted that “tonight’s forum in terms of the health of democracy was very exciting. It is incredible that we have 17 candidates. We do not know yet if each candidate will get the number of petition signers to qualify for a position on the ballot, but still the interest is awesome,”
State Planning Commission Adopts NJ State Plan, Needs Assessments
The New Jersey State Planning Commission has adopted an updated State Plan, along with a new Impact Assessment and Infrastructure Needs Assessment, marking the first comprehensive update since 2001. The Plan will guide coordinated state and local decision-making on land use, transportation, housing, infrastructure, and climate adaptation.
New Jersey Target Zero Commission Adopts Action Plan
On Monday, December 15, 2025, the New Jersey Target Zero Commission officially adopted the first New Jersey Target Zero Action Plan, reaching a major milestone in the State’s goal to eliminate all roadway fatalities and serious injuries in the state by 2040. The New Jersey Target Zero Action Plan is now publicly accessible via the New Jersey Department of Transportation’s Target Zero Webpage.