Women and students of color, as defined by N.J.A.C. 17:46-1.2, who are pursuing a certificate or degree in construction-related fields at an eligible county college, vocational school, or proprietary school can receive financial support from the State through the New Jersey Governor’s Industry Vocations Scholarship (NJ‑GIVS).

This scholarship is funded by the New Jersey Schools Development Authority (SDA) and administered by the New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA). NJ‑GIVS offers up to $2,000 per year for up to two years after all other financial aid has been applied. NJ‑GIVS is subject to the availability of SDA funding and the program in which a student is enrolled, and that awards are made on a first-come, first-served basis.

Student Eligibility

To be eligible for this scholarship, a student enrolled at an eligible institution who meets the criteria above must also:

• Be a U.S. citizen, eligible non-citizen, or eligible to file the New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application;
• Be a permanent New Jersey resident for at least 12 months in a row immediately prior to enrolling;
• Have a high school diploma or GED equivalent;
• Complete a financial aid application and the NJ-GIVS application by the applicable State deadline each year (see below for more information);
• Have an annual household income below $60,000, as determined by student’s financial aid application; and
• Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress throughout participation in the program.

Available Programs of Study

• Architectural Building Construction Technology
• Architectural Engineering Technology
• Advertising and Graphic Design
• Building Construction Technology
• Building Maintenance
• Carpentry
• Carpentry Technology
• Civil Construction Engineering Technology
• Civil Engineering Technology
• Computer Aided Drafting and Design Technology
• Construction Management Technology
• Construction Supervision
• Construction Technology
• Cybersecurity
• Drone Technology
• Electronics Engineering Technology
• Electrical Trades
• Engineering
• Engineering Science
• Engineering Technology
• Environmental Control Technology
• Fiber Optic Technical Specialist
• General Engineering Technology
• HVAC/R (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, Refrigeration)
• Industrial Technology
• Landscape/Design/Build
• Masonry
• Network Engineering Technology
• Plumbing
• Quality Assurance Technology
• Solar Energy Technology
• Surveying Technology
• Sustainable Energy Technology
• Technical Studies
• Welding

How to Apply

Students must complete either the FAFSA or the New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application by the applicable State deadline and complete the NJ‑GIVS application by December 1 (for the Fall semester) or June 1 (for the Spring semester).

• Go here to complete the FAFSA.
• Go here to learn more about the New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application.
• Create or log into your New Jersey Financial Aid Management System (NJFAMS) account here to complete the NJ‑GIVS application.

Please contact our Customer Care team if you have any questions about this scholarship opportunity.