White commercial truck driving along the highway, showcasing the typical vehicle operated by holders of Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDL). A CDL is essential for anyone who drives commercial vehicles because it ensures they have the specialized skills to operate these often large, complex vehicles.

MOCJ Programs

Next Mile NYC

Exemplifying New York City’s commitment to creating an upstream solution to several downstream problems – unemployment, recidivism, and labor shortages – one trucking job at a time.

Next Mile NYC is an expansive workforce development program operated by MOCJ and vendor partner Emerge Career that provides an efficient model for connecting justice-involved and housing-insecure New Yorkers with long-term economic opportunities and workforce integration. The program offers participants individualized coaching, comprehensive wraparound services, and direct access to high-paying jobs. Building on a successful pilot, the initiative is now an established program providing cost-free, technology-driven Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training — with 290 individuals trained in FY26, 500 currently in training in FY27.

Upcoming Events

Next Mile NYC Economic Opportunity Summit

Wednesday, September 2nd, from 4:00 – 7:00 PM
Brooklyn Community Pride Center, inside the Major R. Owens Community Center
1561 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11225

Register

Program Overview

  • Hybrid Learning

    Participants can access flexible and accessible learning while navigating the legal, supervision, family and economic realities within the path to reentry.

  • 40 Hours

    Self-paced digital training, followed by the Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) exam

  • 120 Hours

    In-person driving instruction (~4-6 weeks) through partner schools citywide, followed by the CDL exam.

  • Coaching

    High-touch, personalized coaching,
    including daily check-ins.

  • Wraparound Supports

    Participants will access resources through a customized, built-in dashboard, including transportation stipends, childcare, and financial assistance to resolve fines or fees.

  • Job Placements

    Direct job placements with vetted employers offering high-wage, full-time positions.
APPLY TODAY!

Partner Programs & Organizations

Emerge Career is a minority-owned, technology-based reentry and workforce development company founded by Uzoma “Zo” Orchingwa and Gabe Saruhashi, noted technologists recognized by Time Magazine, MIT Tech Review, and Forbes, for their innovation. Emerge has partnered with other cities and states nationally– including corrections, probation, parole, and workforce departments – to implement similar CDL and workforce pilots in 7 other key jurisdictions, including California, Colorado and Massachusetts.

Services Provided & Focus Domains

Online training with Proprietary Tech-based Technology
In-person CDL training
Vocational, educational and housing supports
Impact & Highlights

Since December 2024:

Individuals earned Commercial Learner’s Permits
Individuals earned Commercial Driver’s Licenses
Individuals are employed with median salaries of $75,000
Individuals are credentialed and actively job searching

Success Stories

  • 0%

    No reported re-arrests to date
    among program participants.

  • 94%

    94% of participants who completed behind-the-wheel training earned a CDL.

  • 97%

    97% of participants who earned a CDL received a job offer within six months. 

Who It’s For

  • Justice-Involvement: Must have history of contact with the criminal justice system:
  • Residency: Must be a current resident of NYC (within the five boroughs); AND
  • Work Authorization: Must be 18 years or older and a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Resident, or otherwise authorized to work in the United States; AND
  • Driver’s License: Must currently hold a valid driver’s license; AND
  • Employment Status: Must be unemployed or underemployed at the time of enrollment.
    • Unemployed is defined as an individual who does not currently hold paid employment, OR
    • Underemployed: Individuals who are working but in positions that are part-time, temporary, low-wage, or not aligned with their skills and training. This includes those earning below the MIT Living Wage for New York City or working in jobs that do not offer a viable career pathway; AND
    • Income Level: Must be low-income, defined as earning below the MIT Living Wage standard for New York City (currently $28.87/hour or ~$60,040 annually for a single adult; $51.29/hour or ~$106,681 annually for a single adult with one child, per MIT Living Wage Calculator, Feb. 2025).
APPLY TODAY

Application Process, Referral Pathways & Recruitment Partners

Prospective applicants may apply independently through Emerge Career’s website by completing a brief questionnaire. Applicants are then informed of an acceptance or are rerouted to support services that would be better suited to identified service needs.

The initial referral pathway for Next Mile NYC was MOCJ’s Emergency Transitional Housing (ETH) sites. Recruitment has since expanded to include MOCJ’s Community Justice Reentry Network (CJRN), in-community pathways through the Department of Probation (DOP) and community-based violence prevention providers, and in-custody engagement through the New York City Department of Correction (DOC).

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