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2026 OPIOID SETTLEMENT GRANT RECIPIENTS

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Annual (full year) Grant

Kismet of Kings – $46,500

Kismet of Kings (KoK) will implement a 12-month program that integrates evidence-informed drug misuse prevention, mental health support, and high-interest STEAM programming in partnership with The Music Team, serving 30 young men ages 11–18 in Jersey City. The initiative Health is Wealth + The Music Team leverages culturally relevant music production, digital media, and leadership development to strengthen emotional resilience, teach healthy coping skills, and reduce stigma around mental health. Throughout the year, participants will engage in prevention education, therapeutic mentoring, and professional-level creative training that promotes sound decision-making and reduces opioid-related risks. The program culminates in a youth-produced Public Service Announcement (PSA) campaign that educates the broader community and serves as the primary prevention deliverable.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Hudson County – $45,500

The C.A.R.E. Program (Creating Awareness and Resilience for Everyone) at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hudson County uses the evidence-based Positive Action curriculum to strengthen mental health, emotional regulation, and decision-making skills for youth ages 10–20, key protective factors against opioid misuse. Through a blend of SEL lessons, trauma-informed support, and creative STEAM media arts projects, youth build coping skills while producing peer-to-peer prevention content such as videos, podcasts, and digital art. Offered after school and during the summer at no cost, the program provides a safe, supportive environment where teens develop confidence, resilience, and leadership while learning how to make healthy choices and seek help when needed.

Team Wilderness – $45,500

Team Wilderness will expand its year-round, evidence-informed youth programs in Jersey City, creating a holistic continuum of support that naturally integrates opioid misuse prevention into engaging, developmentally appropriate activities. Through the Wilderness Club, North Star mental-health counseling, STEAM Excursions, and the immersive Summer Photo Camp, youth ages 12–18 build resilience, life skills, emotional regulation, and STEAM/STEM competence. Funding will add a weekly prevention-focused session using Keepin’ It REAL and SPORT Prevention Plus Wellness, reinforce mental-health services, and support outdoor adventures that strengthen decision-making, coping skills, and peer connection. By blending prevention, nature-based learning, creative expression, and free access to counseling, Team Wilderness equips youth with the protective factors they need to thrive and avoid substance misuse.

Liberty Science Center – $45,500

SciTech Scity’s Tech for Resilience initiative is a year-long, evidence-based prevention program that blends STEM education with digital mental-wellness tools to reduce opioid and substance-misuse risks among Jersey City youth. Through creative technology modules, digital wellness coaching, and evidence-informed prevention content, participants build emotional regulation, stress-management skills, and digital health literacy. The program leverages SciTech Scity’s Healthcare Innovation Enginen its public-private platform for testing and scaling community-centered health solutions, to deliver accessible, stigma-free mental wellness support. Fully subsidized and virtually delivered, Tech for Resilience equips youth with the confidence, coping strategies, and technology skills needed to strengthen protective factors and prevent substance misuse.

eCode Learning Center – $45,000

The eCode STEM Learning Program is a year-round prevention initiative that blends hands-on STEM/STEAM learning, virtual reality wellness, SEL skill-building, and age-appropriate opioid-prevention lessons for youth ages 8–18. Through robotics, coding, esports technology, and VR-based mindfulness, students strengthen resilience, emotional regulation, problem-solving, and healthy decision-making. Operating four days a week during the school year and throughout the summer at little to no cost, eCode provides 550+ hours of structured, engaging support that keeps youth safe, connected, and on positive pathways.

Enosis the Leadership Network – $45,000

The STEM for Resilience Hybrid Youth Prevention Program is a 40-week initiative that combines opioid misuse prevention, hands-on STEM construction and engineering labs, entrepreneurship training, and mental-health resilience workshops for Jersey City youth ages 8–24. Participants engage in weekly in-person STEM labs and virtual sessions that build technical skills, confidence, and real workforce readiness, including opportunities for older youth to earn industry credentials. The program embeds prevention and SEL strategies into practical, future-focused activities that strengthen coping skills, decision-making, and emotional health. All materials, laptops, and supplies are provided free of charge, ensuring full access for youth from underserved communities.

Saint Peter's University – $45,000

Saint Peter’s University will launch a comprehensive opioid-prevention initiative that integrates STEAM/STEM education with mental-health support for college-aged students. Grounded in the Jesuit value of cura personalis—care for the whole person, the program will reach up to 1,900 students through expressive-arts wellness sessions, a neuroscience-informed social norms campaign, and interactive STEM-based prevention activities featured at the Annual Wellness Fair. By combining science, creative expression, and compassionate support, the initiative promotes resilience, reduces stigma, and empowers students to make informed, healthy decisions at no cost to participants.

Most Excellent Way – $45,000

The Jersey City Faith-Based Prevention Coalition (JCFBPC), led by Most Excellent Way Learning Life Center, will deliver a free, evidence-based opioid prevention program for at-risk youth ages 9–14 in Jersey City. Integrating opioid prevention curricula, STEAM/STEM activities, literacy support, and mental health services, JCFBPC aims to reduce substance-use risk, improve academic performance, and strengthen emotional well-being. The program features weekly sessions in trusted community locations, family engagement workshops, and bilingual support, with measurable goals for reading proficiency, STEM skills, opioid awareness, and family communication.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Essex – $45,000

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Essex, Hudson & Union Counties (BBBSEHU) will enhance its one-to-one youth mentoring program with a science-based opioid prevention initiative in Jersey City. Using the DEA’s Operation Prevention curriculum, the program engages youth in STEAM/STEM activities that explain the biology of addiction and healthy decision-making while integrating creative tools like storytelling and digital media. With added mental health education and consistent mentor support, the free program equips young people with the knowledge, coping skills, and confidence to make healthy choices.

Jersey City Police Activity League – $45,000

The Jersey City Police Activity League (JCPAL) has been awarded a grant to expand its STEAM-based prevention program for youth from low- to moderate-income families, offering a safe, supportive space that builds academic skills, creative expression, and mental-health resilience to reduce substance-misuse risks. The program combines tutoring, robotics and drones, and urban canvas arts classes with trauma-informed practices such as social-emotional learning and mindfulness. With transportation, daily meals, and subsidized enrollment, JCPAL ensures full accessibility while providing structured programming Monday through Saturday. This grant will strengthen STEAM learning, enhance mental health supports, and help Jersey City youth develop the confidence and skills needed for healthier futures.

Higher Hopes – $45,000

This grant supports a holistic opioid-prevention program for Jersey City youth that combines evidence-based curricula, hands-on STEAM/STEM learning, and mental health literacy. Using SAMHSA-recognized programs like LifeSkills Training and the Botvin Prevention Program, youth build refusal skills, resilience, and healthy decision-making while reinforcing lessons through engaging activities such as neuroscience experiments, digital media projects, and arts-based expression. A strong mental health component teaches coping strategies and emotional regulation, helping youth understand the link between stress and substance use. Offered free across schools and community sites with inclusive outreach supported by peer ambassadors. The program aims to increase knowledge of opioid risks, strengthen coping skills, reduce risky behaviors, and build long-term resilience.

STEM Kids NYC – $45,000

Thrive Engineer Kids Lab, led by STEM Kids NYC, is a year-long STEAM-based prevention program for elementary-aged youth in Jersey City. The program integrates robotics, engineering, coding, and creative technology with social-emotional learning to build resilience, emotional regulation, and protective factors linked to reduced opioid misuse risk. Through hands-on learning, family engagement, and community showcases, students develop confidence, coping skills, and healthy decision-making early in life.

Nimbus Dance Works Inc – $43,500

Nimbus Dance will deliver Dance for Resilience, a year-long opioid prevention program for Jersey City youth ages 8–18 from low and extremely-low income households. The program blends dance education, STEAM-aligned arts learning, and social-emotional and mental health supports to build resilience and reduce substance misuse risk. Nimbus Dance will offer free, school-based prevention services across Jersey City.

SAF – Save A Few – $40,000

SAF – Save A Few will implement ARISE — Arts for Resilience, Inspiration, Strength & Empowerment, a year-long performing arts and mental wellness program for Jersey City youth ages 8–17. The program integrates dance, music, theatre, and digital storytelling with evidence-based social-emotional learning and mental health supports to build resilience, healthy coping skills, and opioid misuse prevention. ARISE delivers free, after-school programming that strengthens protective factors, youth voice, and community connection.

Whole Spectrum Autism – $40,000

Creative Minds in Motion, led by Whole Spectrum Autism, is a year-long STEAM/STEM prevention program for Jersey City youth ages 8–24 that strengthens mental health, resilience, and protective factors linked to opioid misuse prevention. Through monthly, hands-on workshops blending creative technology, engineering, and digital media with evidence-informed social-emotional and mental health strategies, the program provides inclusive, sensory-friendly, and accessible prevention services aligned with Schedule B priorities.

Yonkers Partners in Education – $37,500

YPIE Jersey City prepares students for success after high school by building academic confidence, emotional resilience, and a strong sense of purpose—key protective factors against substance misuse. With this grant, YPIE will continue and expand its in-school and summer programming at Ferris, Lincoln, and Dickinson, providing academic support, college advising, and social-emotional coaching grounded in evidence-based practices. Program managers and college advisors work directly inside schools to deliver tutoring, mentoring, and goal-setting support, helping students manage stress, stay engaged, and build future-ready skills. By offering year-round guidance, summer transition programs, and trauma-informed support, YPIE keeps students connected to caring adults and positive opportunities, significantly reducing risk factors for opioid misuse while increasing their confidence, well-being, and college readiness.

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School Year Grant

Anti-Violence Coalition (ACHC) – $27,000

The STEAM-Powered Prevention Lab is a year-long, evidence-informed opioid misuse prevention program serving Hudson County youth ages 10–21. The program combines hands-on STEAM/STEM learning, mental health skill-building, and trauma-informed, arts-based approaches to strengthen resilience, decision-making, and protective factors linked to reduced substance misuse. Delivered through weekly labs, school-based workshops, and family engagement, the program provides free, accessible prevention services rooted in community trust and evidence-based frameworks.

She Is Incorporated – $24,000

She Is STEAM & Resilience Lab, led by She Is Incorporated, is a 10-month, evidence-based opioid misuse prevention and mental health program for girls in Jersey City. The program blends hands-on STEAM/STEM learning with social-emotional skill-building, mentorship, and trauma-informed wellness practices to strengthen confidence, decision-making, and resilience. Free, weekly programming prioritizes girls from low- and extremely-low-income communities most impacted by substance misuse and mental health stigma.

Youth Foundation of Jersey City – $23,400

Youth Foundation of Jersey City’s Resilient Futures program strengthens youth mental health and prevents opioid misuse through hands-on STEM and STEAM learning. Delivered free and on-site in five Jersey City public schools, the program blends robotics, engineering, art, and technology with mental health education to build confidence, coping skills, and healthy decision-making. Through monthly workshops and weekly check-ins, students gain resilience, belonging, and positive outlets for managing stress.

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Summer Grant

JCPRHAC – $8,700

STEM for Strength: Youth Resilience & Prevention Initiative, led by JCPRHAC, is a summer opioid misuse prevention program for Jersey City youth ages 10–17. The program combines evidence-based prevention education with hands-on STEM/STEAM projects and mental health skill-building to strengthen coping skills, resilience, and positive decision-making. Through engaging, accessible sessions in July and August, youth gain confidence, reduce stigma around mental health, and build protective factors that support long-term well-being.

Helping Hurting Hearts Community Outreach – $8,700

Stronger Minds, Brighter Futures: The Science of Opioid Use and Mental Wellness, led by Helping Hurting Hearts Community Outreach, is an interactive summer prevention program for Jersey City youth ages 15–24. The program combines science-based education on opioid use with mental health skill-building, peer discussion, and trauma-informed practices to strengthen coping skills, reduce stigma, and promote healthy decision-making. Delivered through four engaging workshops across multiple community sites, the program empowers youth to build resilience and connect to supportive resources.

Community Empowered Research Center – $7,200

The CERC STEAM Wellness & Prevention Hub is a free summer program for Jersey City youth ages 8–24 that combines hands-on STEAM activities with Social-Emotional Learning and evidence-based opioid prevention education. Offered in accessible, transit-friendly locations with free snacks, the program uses SAMHSA- and CDC-approved materials to teach the science of addiction, stress management, and mental-health awareness while empowering youth to create their own peer-led prevention campaigns. Through robotics, coding, digital art, and health-science workshops along with guided discussions and reflection circles, participants build resilience, confidence, and healthy coping skills. Supported by trained mentors and strong community partnerships, the Hub aims to increase opioid-risk awareness, strengthen emotional well-being, and foster a healthier, more resilient Jersey City.

SuperKidz Kamp, Inc – $7,000

SuperKidz Kamp is an immersive, evidence-based prevention and leadership program for youth ages 9–17 that builds emotional resilience, healthy decision-making, and strong peer connections. Through STEAM- and arts-based activities, mental health education, and experiential learning, campers develop coping skills, self-confidence, and values shown to reduce substance misuse. Scholarships and transportation support ensure access for Jersey City youth most impacted by trauma and addiction.