What you need to know: California is investing in more accessible pathways to high-quality jobs for communities facing significant employment barriers. The Employment Development Department is awarding $16.3 million to ten organizations to provide skill-based education and workforce training programs and create equal access to employment.
SACRAMENTO – A $16.3 million grant is being awarded to support Californians who face significant barriers to employment. Many of these individuals have limited English proficiency, are underserved youth, have prior justice-system involvement, or are military veterans transitioning to civilian work. The funds were awarded as part of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and the Governor’s discretionary funds for the Employment and Training Pathways Program (ETPP).
The Employment Development Department (EDD) has selected 10 organizations to deliver job training, education, and workforce development to help expand access to meaningful and long-term career opportunities.
Every Californian deserves the opportunity to find meaningful work and secure a good-paying job. We’re working to help people overcome barriers that limit access to education and employment and build a path toward long-term economic stability.
Photo courtesy of the SoLa Foundation
The ten selected organizations will use the grant funds to provide education, training, and employment services to connect individuals to jobs and careers that offer stability and better support for themselves and their families.
What They’re Saying:
Rachel Bramlett, Director of Adult Education, Riverside Adult School: “This funding is transformative for Riverside Adult School and the students we serve. It allows us to expand high-quality workforce training programs (such as Pharmacy Technician, Automotive Maintenance, Job Skills, and Computer Literacy) - programs that are directly aligned to in-demand careers in our region. Our adult learners are often balancing work, family, and financial responsibilities while striving to build a better future. This investment provides them with the opportunity to gain relevant skills, earn industry-recognized credentials, and transition into meaningful employment. Ultimately, this funding strengthens not only individual economic mobility, but also the workforce and vitality of our entire community.”
Dr. Kim Carter-Tillman, Founder & Ambassador, Time for Change Foundation: “We thank EDD for this opportunity as it was desperately needed in this region so that we can level the playing field for an area that has systemically been deprived of access to high road career training.”
Diana Enriquez, Director, West Hills Community College District: “Receiving funding to continue supporting individuals in the WHCCD service area means everything to our program. Services ensure that hardworking individuals who sustain our community are not forgotten and have access to the resources they deserve. Grant-funded support brings hope, stability, and opportunity to families who need it most, and it strengthens the future of our entire region. I am deeply grateful for the chance to continue making a meaningful difference for service area residents.”
Tea Vickers, Director of Workforce Development, The SoLa Foundation: “We have already had the opportunity to support dozens of culinary students through our hands-on career development program at the 60th Street Cafe, and this investment from the Employment Development Department is a gamechanger in expanding our reach as a Foundation. We are proud to partner with the EDD to fuel a community-driven ecosystem where local talent is nurtured, small businesses can thrive, and economic growth stays rooted in underinvested communities of LA. The ripple effects of this funding will be felt for generations to come.”
Zac Martin, Director of Workforce and Education, The Anti-Recidivism Coalition: "This funding is foundational to our second chance readiness apprenticeship program as we provide coaching, tools and support for our formerly incarcerated members to prepare them for sustainable, life-changing employment opportunities in union trade jobs."
Steven Macias, Regional Market Leader, Year Up United: “Through this award, the California Employment Development Department is making a powerful investment in both economic mobility and the future of California’s workforce. This funding allows Year Up United to deepen our impact -- expanding access to in-demand training, strengthening employer partnerships, and ensuring more young adults can build meaningful careers. We are grateful for the support in bridging the divide between employers and talented young adults across the state.”
Jeremy Shumaker, Assistant Director, Kern County Employers' Training Resource: “We are excited to receive this funding. It allows us to continue to deliver outstanding service to our residents. We are extremely grateful for the confidence placed in us to be stewards of these funds.”
The following organizations were selected through a competitive application and evaluation process.
| Awardee | Counties | Award Amount | Contact |
| Kitchens for Good Inc. | San Diego | $1,556,936.69 | Jennifer Gilmore 1-619-602-9852 jgilmore@kitchenforgood.org |
| Kern/Inyo/Mono Consortium Workforce Development Area – Kern County Employers' Training Resource | Kern | $1,842,000.00 | Jeremy Shumaker 1-661-635-2758 shumakerj@kerncounty.com |
| Lao Family Community Development, Inc. | Alameda and Contra Costa | $1,842,000.00 | Mai Quach 1-510-533-8850 grants@lfcd.org |
| NPower, Inc. | Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, Santa Clara, Sonoma, Sacramento, Placer, Sacramento, Yolo, San Joaquin, Los Angeles, and San Bernardino | $1,841,950.27 | Jimmy Ancheta-Tilley 1-925-813-0336 Jimmy.anchetatilley@npower.org |
| Riverside Adult School | Inland Empire | $512,541.11 | Rachel Bramlett 1-951-788-7185 ext. 68200 rbramlett@riversideunified.org |
| The Anti-Recidivism Coalition | Sacramento, Los Angeles, and San Bernardino | $1,841,977.90 | Jasmine Serna 1-213-955-5885 development@antirecidivism.org |
| The SoLa Foundation | Los Angeles | $1,842,000.00 | Amaya Boyd 1-901-849-8093 aboyd@thesolafoundation.org |
| Time For Change Foundation | San Bernardino and Riverside | $1,322,939.14 | Dr. Kim Carter-Tilman 1-951-217-0971 kcarter@timeforchangefoundation.org |
| West Hills Community College District | Fresno, Kings, Madera, and Tulare | $1,842,000.00 | Brian Boomer 1-559-934-2152 brianboomer@whccd.edu |
| Year Up, Inc. | Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, and Los Angeles | $1,842,000.00 | Marisa Turaids 1-206-773-2740 mturaida@yearupunited.org |
This grant is 100 percent federally funded by a grant totaling $16,286,345.11 from the U.S. Department of Labor.
For more information about each organization and the services they provide, contact the awardees listed above.