The Employment Development Department (EDD) of California has announced the availability of up to $2.7 million in funding for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services for Program Year 2025–2026. This funding comes from Wagner-Peyser 10 percent Governor’s Discretionary funds, entirely supported by the U.S. Department of Labor. The primary goal of this grant program is to provide comprehensive, accessible, and specialized employment services to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing at select America’s Job Center of California (AJCC) locations.
The program is designed to improve communication access and service equity for deaf and hard of hearing individuals through a variety of services. These services include specialized counseling, interpretation services, job placement, follow-up services, and advocacy to ensure equal access to both public and private employment services. Additional components include employment readiness support and services that enable job-ready individuals to obtain and retain unsubsidized employment. The provision of interpreting services also extends to helping participants access other EDD services.
Eligibility for this funding opportunity is limited to public agencies and private nonprofit organizations. Individuals are not eligible to apply. Applicants must provide compelling evidence of their ability to serve the deaf and hard of hearing population effectively and demonstrate organizational capacity to deliver the required services as outlined in the solicitation.
An informational webinar is scheduled for May 5, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. PT. Those interested in attending must register by 9:00 a.m. PT on the same day. Additionally, while not mandatory, prospective applicants are encouraged to submit a Notice of Intent to apply by noon on May 9, 2025. All completed proposals must be submitted by 3:00 p.m. PT on May 27, 2025.
For full application details and registration links, applicants should refer to the EDD's Workforce Development Solicitation for Proposals website. Specific inquiries can be directed to WSBSFP2@edd.ca.gov. This grant is federally funded and does not include any state or private match.
