Foundation Academies Becomes First School in New Jersey to Partner with NJ Department of Labor and Division of Vocational Rehabilitation for Pre-Employment Transition Services
Trenton, NJ – Foundation Academies (FA), Trenton’s largest and top-performing charter school organization, has announced a groundbreaking partnership with the New Jersey Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (NJDVRS), becoming the first school in New Jersey to formally partner with NJDVRS to provide Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) to students with special needs.
Through this innovative collaboration, Foundation Academies will serve 50 participants in its first year, reaching current students and alumni between the ages of 14 and 21. The program will launch in late October, in time to commemorate National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), embedding career exploration, workplace readiness training, self-advocacy development, and work-based learning opportunities directly into the academic experience.
Unlike the typical school-based planning that helps students prepare for life after graduation, Pre-Employment Transition Services go further by giving students direct, hands-on experiences, such as exploring different careers, building workplace skills, and learning in real-world settings. By combining these opportunities with individualized support, Pre-ETS ensures every student’s plan is not only comprehensive and personalized, but also fully aligned with both their educational goals and future workforce pathways.
Sheria McRae, CEO of Foundation Academies, emphasized the importance of this milestone for FA’s mission:
“Foundation Academies exists to sow seeds of opportunity and celebrate each child's unique contributions to this world, helping them build purpose-filled lives. Our new partnership with NJDVRS drives this mission to new heights in such an exciting way.”
This initiative not only builds on FA’s legacy of academic excellence, but also sets a precedent for how schools can partner directly with state workforce agencies to deliver comprehensive transition services. By weaving Pre-ETS into the school day, FA is creating a model that emphasizes collaboration with families, employers, and higher education institutions, ensuring that FA students graduate with both strong academic foundations and real-world career preparation.
Daniela Rivera, Sr. Director of Workforce & Public Funding at Foundation Academies, added:
“This partnership represents a historic step for both Foundation Academies and the state of New Jersey. By joining forces with NJDVRS, we are ensuring our exceptional learners have equitable access to the same opportunities as their peers, from internships and workplace credentials to mentorship and advocacy skills. This is about unlocking doors and building brighter futures for every scholar we serve. Integrating Pre-ETS into the academic journey ensures that our scholars don’t just earn a diploma, they graduate ready for college, career, and life.”
To learn more about Foundation Academies’ Workforce Development initiatives, please visit www.foundationacademies.org/workforcedevelopment.
About Foundation Academies
Foundation Academies is Trenton’s largest and highest-performing public charter school, serving more than 1200 scholars in grades K–12. Founded in 2007, Foundation Academies is committed to ensuring all scholars, regardless of background or circumstances, have access to an excellent education that prepares them for college, career, and life. Learn more at foundationacademies.org
About NJDOL
The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) works to build a stronger and fairer economy for all New Jersey residents. Through programs that promote job training, apprenticeships, workforce development, and fair labor practices, NJDOL partners with schools, businesses, and community organizations to prepare individuals for sustainable careers while supporting the needs of employers. Learn more about NJDOL here.
About NJDVRS
The New Jersey Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (NJDVRS) provides services that enable individuals with disabilities to achieve meaningful employment consistent with their strengths, priorities, needs, abilities, and capabilities. Learn more about NJDVRS here.
For Immediate Release
Date: 10/22/2025
Contact: Carol Norris-Smith
Phone: (267)-394-0152
carol@essentialmessagellc.com
