Declares second full week of April of 2026 as "Professional Development Week" at NJ institutions of higher education.

AR128

ASSEMBLY RESOLUTION No. 128

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

222nd LEGISLATURE

�

INTRODUCED MARCH 16, 2026

Sponsored by:

Assemblywoman� ROSAURA "ROSY" BAGOLIE

District 27 (Essex and Passaic)

SYNOPSIS

���� Declares second full week of April of 2026 as
�Professional Development Week� at NJ institutions of higher education.

CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT

���� As introduced.

��

An Assembly
Resolution

declaring the second full
week of April of 2026 as �Professional Development Week� at public institutions
of higher education in New Jersey.

Whereas,

Professional development is defined as education, training, or skill
development obtained through continuing education and career training after
entering the workforce; and�

Whereas,

Professional development opportunities are offered through workshops,
networking events, seminars, online learning, and mentorship and career
coaching; and�

Whereas,

Participation in professional development seminars and courses helps
individuals remain competitive in their fields by staying current with emerging
technologies and other trends and demonstrating to their employers they can
adapt to the changing demands of the industry; and

Whereas,

Participation in professional development events and courses helps individuals
learn and develop technical or other leadership skills so they feel more
confident and increase effectiveness at work; and

Whereas,

Participation in professional development by obtaining special certifications
provides tangible documentation one is proficient in an area of expertise which
can help propel career advancement; and

Whereas,

Participation in professional development events allows professionals to also
explore adjacent fields and take classes if they are exploring the possibility
of transitioning careers; and

Whereas,

Participation in professional development through mentorship allows individuals
to develop close relationships with leaders in their fields and receive
guidance as they navigate their careers; and

Whereas,

Participation in professional development through alumni networking events
allows individuals to interact with their peers and foster professional
relationships outside their immediate place of work; and

Whereas,

Public institutions of higher education in New Jersey offer numerous
opportunities for professional development including skill-based courses,
networking events, certificate programs and seminars in various fields of
study; and

Whereas,

Declaring the second full week of April, 2026 as �Professional Development
Week� at public institutions of higher education in New Jersey will bring
greater attention to the importance of professional development and highlight
the opportunities these schools offer; now, therefore,

����
Be It
Resolved
by the General Assembly of the State
of New Jersey:

���� 1.��� This resolution declares
the second full week of April of 2026 as �Professional Development Week� at
public institutions of higher education in New Jersey.

���� 2.��� Copies of this
resolution, as filed with the Secretary of State, shall be transmitted by the
Clerk of the General Assembly to the presidents of public institutions of
higher education located in New Jersey. �

STATEMENT

���� This resolution designates the
second full week of April of 2026 as �Professional Development Week� at public
institutions of higher education in New Jersey.� Professional development is
education, training, or skill development obtained through continuing education
and career training after entering the workforce.� Benefits of professional
development include learning new skills to feel more confident or efficient at
work, staying current with evolving technologies and trends in an industry, exploring
new or adjacent fields, learning from industry leaders who serve as mentors, and
obtaining professional certifications to aid in career advancement. Opportunities
for professional development include networking events, seminars or classes
teaching specific skills, more formal certification programs, and mentorship
programs. �New Jersey institutions for higher education offer professional
development opportunities for both alumni and other individuals who wish to
take advantage of these offerings.