Project Self-Sufficiency and the New Jersey Youth Corps are launching the next session of their high school equivalency program in March.

The 16-week program will be offered as a hybrid of virtual and in-person curricula and activities. The Youth Corps gives those who have not completed high school the opportunity to boost their literacy skills, prepare for the high school equivalency exam, obtain on-the-job work experience, and transition into a career, college or the military. Interested participants are invited to attend a virtual open house at by Project Self-Sufficiency to learn more about the Youth Corps and to complete an application. The open houses will be held at 11 a.m. on Feb.7, 14, 22 and 28, and at 5 p.m. on Jan. 27, Feb. 3, 10, 17 and 24. Interested attendees are invited to call 973-940-3500 for log-in details.

In addition, program coordinators are searching for volunteers to help with tutoring in math; opportunities are available on a flexible schedule Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Project Self-Sufficiency is offering a $100 gift card to those who refer a young adult, ages 16 to 25, to the New Jersey Youth Corps training and education program. To receive the gift card, referred individuals must enroll in the program, complete the two-week orientation, and be inducted into the program.

Participants in the New Jersey Youth Corps must be Sussex or Warren County residents, aged 16 through 25, who have not completed high school. The program includes assessments, testing, employability skills training, life skills workshops, academic instruction, community service projects, field trips, and counseling services. Program participants will prepare for the high school equivalency examination and have the opportunity to receive a weekly stipend based on attendance for the full week. Free transportation is provided.

The Youth Corps, which is funded by the New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development, is also in operation at sites around the state which include Phillipsburg. To learn more about the New Jersey Youth Corps at Project Self-Sufficiency are encouraged to enroll online or call 973-940-3500.