English Language Learners PY 20-21 Awards

Workforce Services Information Notice
WSIN20-56

Issued: May 7, 2021

The Employment Development Department (EDD), in coordination with the California Workforce Development Board, and on behalf of the Labor and Workforce Development Agency, is pleased to announce the award of $1.6 million of Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funds for the English Language Learners (ELL) grant for Program Year (PY) 2020-21. These funds will provide job training and employment opportunities to 660 individuals facing barriers to employment as a result of limited English language proficiency in five counties. An additional $200,000 was awarded to one technical assistance provider to support the program awardees.

Funds will connect applicants and employers in the following five counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Sonoma. Six organizations were selected for funding. All entities submitted proposals via a competitive process.

Awards ranged from $180,000-$320,000, and will be used to support projects to increase access for target populations, align WIOA programs, implement co-enrollment strategies, enhance partnerships, leverage other program funding, provide supportive services, and create onramps to high quality jobs with sustainable wages for California’s ELL population. This year’s ELL focuses on implementing an integrated education and training model that allows ELLs to learn critical language skills while developing the skills necessary for employment in a regionally in-demand industry. This program provides an opportunity to enhance partnerships with adult education, human service programs, and other WIOA Unified Strategic Plan partners including community-based organizations.

The EDD expects that the performance period will be between 18-24 months. A list of the awardees and descriptions of their projects is available on the EDD Workforce Development Solicitations for Proposals webpage.

If you have any questions regarding the ELL grant solicitation, please email WSBSFP1@edd.ca.gov.

/s/ JAIME L. GUTIERREZ, Chief
Central Office Workforce Services Division