EDD awards $17.9 million for job training and employment services for English Language Learners

NR No. 23-32
Contact: Loree Levy/Aubrey Henry
916-654-9029
mediainquiries@edd.ca.gov

EDD awards $17.9 million for job training and employment services for English Language Learners

SACRAMENTO – The California Employment Development Department (EDD) announced today it has awarded $17.9 million in grants to organizations that will expand English Language Learner (ELL) Integrated Education and Training (IET) programs across California. The grants will help people who have faced significant barriers to employment and community services, by providing employment-focused training designed specifically to assist them.

IET programs combine literacy education with job-specific training. The programs help adults acquire foundational language skills while training for high-demand occupations. The programs speed the path to employment by building practical skills that are necessary for specific, high-quality jobs.    

“These integrated training and education programs help move people into good jobs more quickly,” said EDD Director Nancy Farias.

Eight applicants were awarded between $1.5 and $3.3 million. The grant funds will support new and existing IET programs and partnerships between employers, education providers and community-based organizations.

The grant program aims to build meaningful and sustainable industry investment and partnerships, support California's diverse workforce, and develop projects that place participants into quality jobs and career pathways.

Grant recipients included the nonprofit Worker Education and Resource Center in Los Angeles (which will partner with Los Angeles Unified School District to help workers and job seekers), the Fairfield-Suisun Adult School (helping Clinical Medical Assistant students), and others. 

Grant funding was provided through General Funds made available by Governor Gavin Newsom and administered by the EDD and the California Labor & Workforce Development Agency.

Projects were selected following a competitive application process. The following details the grant recipients and the projects they will deliver:

For more information about the grants and the grant program, please visit Information Notice 23-01 and the Award List and Project Summaries.

For more information about the grants and the grant program, please visit Information Notice 23-01 and the Award List and Project Summaries.