Opportunity Young Adult Career Pathway Program

The Employment Development Department (EDD), in partnership with the Labor and Workforce Development Agency, has announced the availability of up to $25 million in grant funding under the Opportunity Young Adult Career Pathway Program (OYACPP) for Program Year 2024-25. This funding is made available through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Title I Governor’s Discretionary Funds, and it is intended to support projects that focus on improving employment outcomes for opportunity young adults (OYA) aged 18-28. These grants aim to reduce economic inequities by helping participants access quality jobs with sustainable wages, benefits, predictable hours, and opportunities for career advancement. The funding also includes provisions for wrap-around services and support, such as comprehensive case management using trauma-informed practices, to help ensure successful program completion and career growth. The main purpose of the OYACPP is to create pathways to employment and long-term career success for young adults facing economic barriers. The program seeks innovative strategies that improve job readiness, enhance employment outcomes, and promote upward mobility in the workforce. The emphasis is on supporting good-quality jobs—those that offer both stability and advancement potential—while addressing systemic inequities in employment opportunities for young adults. The program also recognizes the importance of wrap-around services, including case management, mental health services, and other supports, to help participants overcome barriers and stay engaged in their career pathways. Funding from this solicitation is open to a range of organizations that have experience working with opportunity youth and workforce development programs. Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations, labor unions, tribal governments, local workforce boards, community colleges, and other education and training providers. Applicants can also form partnerships, but for-profit businesses and individuals are not eligible to apply. Projects will be assessed based on their ability to design and implement career pathway models that meet the needs of young adults and help them transition into high-quality employment. The application process is time-sensitive. All proposals must be submitted by November 4, 2024, no later than 3 p.m. Pacific Time. Although optional, EDD encourages applicants to submit a Notice of Intent by October 15, 2024, by noon, as well as attend the Informational Webinar on October 8, 2024, at 1 p.m. Pacific Time. Pre-registration is required for the webinar by October 8, 2024, at 9 a.m. The EDD will also hold an Office Hours session to address additional questions. Details for both the webinar and Office Hours, along with links for pre-registration, can be found on the EDD’s Workforce Development Solicitation for Proposals website. This program is entirely funded by a federal grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, with no contributions from non-federal sources. Organizations interested in applying should refer to the full Solicitation for Proposals for additional details on submission requirements, evaluation criteria, and program expectations.