Established in 1999 by the Alan V. and Amy Lowenstein Foundation, The New Jersey Institute for Social Justice (NJISJ) is a Newark-based urban research and advocacy organization dedicated to the advancement of New Jersey’s urban areas and residents. To achieve its objectives, NJISJ focuses on policy-related research, development and implementation of model programs, advocacy efforts, litigation when appropriate, and sustained public education. Its Workforce Development and Training Programs prepare residents in the greater Newark region for meaningful employment, and since 2001, have served over 1,000 residents (with over 500 entering higher-wage construction and building trades). In 2011, NJISJ began an Anchor Institutions Initiative, which aims to increase the number of construction, service, and maintenance positions available to urban residents by bringing together diverse partners to assess the incorporation of community benefit terms into bond covenants for construction of large-scale facilities by anchor institutions.