Up to $9 million for skill-building, career advancement, upward mobility
California’s Employment Development Department (EDD), in coordination the Labor and Workforce Development Agency, announces the availability of up to $9 million in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Title I Governor’s discretionary funds for the Farmworkers Advancement Program Solicitation for Proposals (SFP) Program Year (PY) 2023-24.
The Farmworkers Advancement Program PY 23-24 grants will be awarded to research, design, and implement projects that focus exclusively on farmworker needs at a regional level by offering essential skills and upskilling training to either advance in the agricultural industry and/or prepare for advancement outside of the agricultural sector. The Farmworkers Advancement Program programs should position farmworkers to obtain access to good-quality jobs including jobs that pay family sustaining wages, offer benefits, have predictable hours, opportunities for career advancement, and worker voice. Projects will also provide wrap-around support and resources to build skills to prevent job loss and lay the foundation for upward mobility. The grant-funded programs will assist with referrals to health, housing, educational resources, and career and financial coaching.
Eligible applicants are non-profit organizations, local labor partners, tribal governments, community colleges, local workforce boards, and education and training providers. Applicants, including collaborations among partners, must have demonstrated expertise in assisting farmworkers and in workforce development programs. Individuals are not eligible to apply.
Proposals must be received by 3 p.m. on November 29, 2023.
An informational webinar will be held on November 1, 2023, at 10 a.m. PT. Pre-registration is required. Please register through the Webinar Registration page by November 1, 2023 by 9 a.m. PT. The EDD encourages applicants to submit a Notice of Intent to apply by November 13, 2023, at 12 noon to WSBGrants@edd.ca.gov. To view this SFP, visit the EDD Workforce Development Solicitations for Proposals webpage.