Workforce Accelerator Fund 13 Grant Program

The Workforce Accelerator Fund 13 Grant Program, administered by the California Workforce Development Board (CWDB) in collaboration with the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency (LWDA) and the Employment Development Department (EDD), offers up to $2,700,000 in funding through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Governor’s discretionary funds. This grant program is designed to support workforce development projects that aim to create quality jobs for California workers, particularly those from disadvantaged or low-income communities. The program emphasizes the incorporation of High Road principles, which focus on improving job quality and facilitating upward mobility. The primary purpose of the Workforce Accelerator Fund 13 is to drive initiatives that enhance job quality and connect workforce programs to sustainable employment opportunities. The objectives include fostering projects that not only create jobs but also ensure that these jobs provide pathways for advancement and better working conditions. The program seeks to bridge the gap between workforce development and quality job creation, ultimately benefiting workers in California. Funding for the grant ranges from $100,000 to $500,000, depending on the type of project and the applicant's experience with WIOA funding. New projects without prior WIOA experience can apply for up to $150,000, while those with WIOA experience may request up to $250,000. Existing projects that have successfully managed WIOA funds can apply for up to $500,000. All projects are required to leverage funds at a 1:1 ratio. Eligible applicants for the Workforce Accelerator Fund 13 include a variety of organizations such as community-based organizations, community colleges, county social services agencies, K-12 education entities, labor organizations, local workforce development boards, Native American tribes, and non-profit organizations. Priority consideration will be given to Native American tribes and tribe-serving non-profit organizations, organizations with a history of serving veterans, and applicants connected to existing CWDB-funded High Road projects. The submission requirements for the grant include a detailed project proposal that outlines the objectives, expected outcomes, and how the project aligns with the High Road principles. Applicants will need to answer specific questions related to their project’s impact, sustainability, and community engagement. The evaluation criteria will assess the project's potential to create quality jobs, its alignment with workforce development goals, and the applicant's capacity to manage the grant effectively. The timeline for the Workforce Accelerator Fund 13 grant program indicates that the application deadline is set for October 28, 2024. The grant duration is 21 months, allowing sufficient time for project implementation and evaluation. Interested applicants are encouraged to review the detailed guidelines and prepare their proposals in advance of the deadline to ensure a comprehensive submission. For further information, applicants can visit the CWDB website or contact the board directly.