About this archived opportunity

The Employment Development Department (EDD), in coordination with the California Workforce Development Board (CWDB) and the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency (LWDA), announces the availability of up to $11.5 million in Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Governor’s discretionary funds for the Equity and Special Populations (ESP) Program Year 2021-22 (PY 21-22) Solicitation for Proposals (SFP). Applicants may propose to serve one or more of the following special populations: English language learners, the homeless and housing insecure, immigrants, justice-involved individuals, people with disabilities, veterans, youth, or other target populations in geographic locations disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. These funds will support projects that build meaningful and sustainable industry investment and partnerships, provide work-based learning opportunities, increase equitable access to quality jobs, leverage other program funding, and provide supportive services for California’s most vulnerable populations. Applicants will braid funds and resources, collaborate with postsecondary education providers, engage employers, and draw on the expertise of community-based organizations (CBOs), workforce intermediaries, training providers, and other partners to design programs tailored to regional population and workforce needs. Eligibility: Eligible applicants are public and private non-profit organizations, private for-profit organizations, Local Workforce Development Areas, education and training providers, tribal organizations, faith-based organizations, and community-based organizations. Individuals are not eligible to apply. Reregistration deadline: Last day for applicants to preregister for ESP PY 21-22 SFP Informational Webinar is September 24, 2021. ESP PY 21-22 SFP Informational Webinar: October 1, 2021 10 AM- 12 PM. Notice of Intent to Apply: Each potential applicant is strongly encouraged to notify the California Employment Development Department of its' intent to apply by sending a short email message with the applicant organization's name and the special population(s) that will be served. The email should be addressed to WSBGrants.edd.ca.gov by October 8, 2021. The ESP SFP is supported by the United States Department of Labor as part of a financial assistance award totaling $11.5 million with 0 percent financed from non-governmental sources.