Category: Positive Youth Development

FY2027 NJ Budget Highlights for Children and Families

The FY2027 New Jersey State Budget includes significant investments in programs that support the health, education, and well-being of children and families across New Jersey. These investments strengthen the State’s commitment to improving outcomes for children by supporting early childhood education, child care, maternal and infant health, children’s mental health, nutrition assistance, public education, and […]

Newark Future Policymakers Advocacy Training Class of 2026 Fellows

The Newark Future Policymakers Program, in its fifth year now, is an immersive advocacy training initiative that empowers local youth to shape civic policies. Fellows analyze real-world urban issues, build professional organizing skills, and drive meaningful, community-led change. Read about the fellows in this year’s cohort. Sheguyma Bazile Read about me Sheguyma is a first-year […]

Murphy Signs Critical Legislation Before Leaving Office

Facebook X (Twitter) Linkedin Before the Murphy administration concluded, several critical pieces of legislation were signed into law. “Bell-to-Bell” Cell Phone Ban: Effective for the 2026-27 school year, this law restricts student phone use during school hours. The policy reflects recommendations from the Commission on the Effects of Social Media Usage on Adolescents, of which […]

Murphy Signs Legislation Addressing Student Phone Use in Schools

On January 8th, Governor Murphy signed what his administration calls a bell-to-bell cell phone ban into law, which will take effect during the 2026-27 school year. This law requires “guidelines on student use of internet-enabled devices to be developed by the New Jersey Department of Education,” with each public school’s governing body adopting corresponding policies. This […]