Jersey City is channeling nearly half a million dollars in cannabis tax revenue into summer enrichment programs for local youth, city officials announced this week.

The funds, generated from the city’s legal cannabis businesses, will support 65 nonprofit organizations offering summer programs across the city, with each group eligible for up to $10,000 through the Partnership for a Healthier JC. The initiative is a collaboration between the city’s Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Recreation and Youth Development.

The programs, available to young people citywide, include offerings in the arts, STEM and STEAM education, leadership training, sports, and life skills development.

“This is about making a direct investment in the future of our community,” said Mayor Steven Fulop. “By using legal cannabis tax revenue to support local youth, we are creating opportunities for lifelong learning that will benefit our kids and ultimately our future.”

The city says all eligible applicants received funding, with the amount awarded based on application scores. Organizations scoring 80 or above received their full funding request. Those with lower scores received a proportional amount—so an organization scoring 75 would receive 75% of its request.

“By empowering our Healthier JC partners to deliver enriching experiences, we are not only directly addressing youth wellness in Jersey City but also supporting the growth of newer community organizations,” said Stacey Flanagan, Director of HHS. “This is about building a healthier, more equitable city.”

The full list of grant recipients is available at www.healthierjc.com.