Clocked In
Get experience. Get paid. Get ready.
Their first paycheck. Their first reference. Their first “I did that.”
A paid internship for students ages 16 to 21 with an IEP or 504 plan. No cost to families. Real support every step.
- Up to 150 hourspaid at New Jersey minimum wage
- $0for eligible students and families
- Up to 30 hoursof training, before and after
- Local employersin Middlesex and Mercer counties
Who can apply
You may be eligible if the student:
- Is 16 to 21 years old
- Has a current IEP or 504 planOr a district services plan, college disability services, or other documentation of a disability.
- Is enrolled in schoolHigh school, a transition program, or a college or training program.
- Lives or goes to school in Middlesex or Mercer County
- Can legally work in the U.S.Students under 18 need New Jersey working papers. We help with this.
And is ready to
- Commit to the full program (see What it takes)
- Work at a job site without NXTLEVEL staff there the whole time. We check in regularly.
- Get to and from the job site. We plan transportation with you before placement.
- Make room in their schedule: no conflicting sport, job or activity during internship hours
- Have a parent, guardian or school staff member who supports participation
Not sure if you qualify? That's okay. Check eligibility and the team will help work out the right next step.
Check my eligibilityWhat it takes
| Step | What happens | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Discover and intake | We meet the student and family, confirm eligibility, and learn strengths, interests and schedule | Set with each family |
| Get ready | NXTLEVEL Ready training before the internship | Up to 15 hours |
| Clock in | Paid internship with a vetted employer at New Jersey minimum wage | Up to 150 paid hours, usually 10+ hours a week |
| What's next | Follow-up training: resume, references, next-step plan | Up to 15 hours (up to 30 hours of training total) |
How long the whole program takes depends on each student's schedule and placement. We'll map it out together during intake. Interns earn New Jersey minimum wage for every hour on the job.
How Clocked In works
More than a paid internship: preparation, paid work experience, individualized support, and planning for what comes next.
Check eligibility
First, let's make sure the program is a fit. Families share the information needed to confirm eligibility, and eligibility must be confirmed before participation.Discover
We get to know more than a resume: strengths, interests, career goals, schedule, transportation, work preferences, and support needs.Get ready
Required pre-internship programming covers workplace expectations, professional communication, working with supervisors, self-advocacy, and safety, so students know what to expect before day one.Get matched
NXTLEVEL looks for the best available fit with a vetted employer partner, based on what we learned in discovery. It's not about filling an open slot.Clock in
Up to 150 paid hours of real work with a participating employer, building skills, confidence, and professional relationships.Get support
Dedicated skills training and support throughout the internship, including check-ins, coaching, and communication with the employer.What's next
Post-internship programming turns the experience into an updated resume, references, interview stories, and a next-step plan.
Where students intern
Vetted local employers in Middlesex and Mercer counties, matched to each student's strengths and interests. Specific employers can't be guaranteed.
- Food service
- Retail
- Healthcare
- Outdoor and landscaping
- Nonprofit and government offices
For DVRS counselors
Already working with a DVRS counselor? They can refer you directly using the DVRS referral form.
Counselors: send referrals to nwasha@nxtlevel-collective.org. NXTLEVEL completes its own intake and screening within 2 business days and keeps you updated.
Questions families ask
How much does Clocked In cost?
There is no cost to eligible students and families while grant-funded internship slots remain available.
Do interns get paid?
Yes. Interns earn New Jersey minimum wage for every hour on the job, for up to 150 hours.
Who can participate?
Students ages 16 to 21 with a current IEP or 504 plan, or other documentation of a disability, who are in school and live or go to school in Middlesex or Mercer County.
Can I choose where I intern?
A discovery process helps NXTLEVEL identify best-fit opportunities based on interests, strengths, goals, support needs, logistics, and available employer placements. Specific employers or industries cannot be guaranteed.
Do I have to take classes?
Yes. Pre- and post-internship training is part of Clocked In and helps students prepare for the workplace and use the experience afterward.
Is checking eligibility the same as enrolling?
No. Checking eligibility starts the process. It does not guarantee eligibility, enrollment, a specific placement, or an immediate start date. Eligibility and an available funded slot must be confirmed first.
How many spots are there?
We start interns in small groups of about 10 so each student gets real support. Spots are limited and fill in the order eligibility is confirmed.
Does working affect my SSI or benefits?
Paid work can affect some benefits. We'll talk it through with you and connect you to benefits counseling before you start.
Can my school be involved?
Yes. Schools can partner with us to bring Clocked In to their students. See the For Schools page.
Are you an employer? Host an intern.
Check eligibility
Takes about 2 minutes. Our team will call you within 2 business days to talk through next steps.
Ready to check eligibility?
Takes about 2 minutes. Our team calls you within 2 business days. Checking does not guarantee a placement or a start date.
Check eligibility