Abstract
The New Jersey Department of Corrections has awarded a $90,000.00 grant to Rutgers University-Cook College to develop specialized training for youth correctional programs. The objective is for participants to gain horticultural skills and ultimately be trained and employable. Potential employers include all facets of the green industry- florists, landscapers, garden centers, nurseries, sports turf managers, parks and shade tree departments, and interior plantscapers. Using a structured set of training modules, participants will have the opportunity to develop new levels of knowledge, responsibility and achievement. Participants will gain hands-on experience as they put to work the lessons learned in class. On a regular basis, students, instructors and counselors will be surveyed to gauge program effectiveness. Academic and socio-emotional progress will be monitored and documented at regular intervals. Career counseling, internships, and a job placement mechanism will serve as follow-up, helping to steer the program graduates toward success.